OSAKA/ANKARA
Japan’s World Exposition in Osaka welcomes more than 100,000 visitors daily as the event nears its conclusion.
Osaka Expo 2025 kicked off April 13 under the theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” It has since drawn a lot of public interest.
The expo in Japan’s second city takes place on Yumeshima, one of Osaka’s three artificial islands, where national pavilions are housed within the world’s largest wooden structure, specially built for the Expo.
The massive ring-shaped wooden structure, 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) long and 20 meters (65.6 feet) high, was designed by famous Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto.
The building, called the “Grand Ring,” has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as “the largest wooden architectural structure.” Durable wood types such as Japanese cedar, cypress and Scots pine were used in its construction.
The structure, which houses pavilions built by more than 150 countries and international organizations, symbolizes the concept of “unity in diversity” in a world divided by the coronavirus pandemic and global conflicts.
The expo site is divided into three main thematic zones -- “Connecting Lives”, “Empowering Lives” and “Saving Lives” -- where the national pavilions are located.
Each country aims to attract visitors by showcasing its culture, technology and innovative projects.
Alongside the national pavilions, Japan presents eight signature pavilions offering different perspectives on life.
The eight signature pavilions -- “Better Co-Being”, “Future of Life”, “Playground of Life: Jellyfish Pavilion”, “null²”, “Dynamic Equilibrium of Life”, “Live Earth Journey”, “Earth Mart” and “Dialogue Theater Sign of Life” -- were designed by Japan’s leading artists, intellectuals and designers.
Visitors wait in lines for hours to experience exhibits inside the pavilions.
'A great way to interact with different cultures'
Sugano Masafumi, deputy commissioner general for Japan, EXPO 2025 at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, explained the details of the design and purpose of Osaka Expo 2025.
Sugano told reporters that the expo was designed in a Japanese style and noted that, unlike previous expositions, it aimed to provide more space for other countries’ pavilions.
He explained that instead of building the host country’s pavilion in the main plaza, a forest was hosted there. Sugano said he had been involved in organizing preparations for the expo for the last four years.
Sugano stated that although the event is scheduled to end Oct. 13, visitor demand remains high and tickets are completely sold out.
- Japan presents vision of 'Future Society' to visitors
Sugano highlighted the importance of the expo for Japan and other countries.
“It’s a great way not only to see what’s presented on screens but also to interact with different cultures,” he said.
He said visitors from around the world can taste various kinds of coffee, experience diverse cuisines and enjoy shared cultures, dances and songs in the expo.
“It has become harder for Japanese people to travel abroad these days,” he said.
“So, this is a wonderful opportunity for the Japanese public to interact with people from other countries. I don’t mean to say that Japanese people don’t know the difference between Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, but each of these countries has its own unique culture, economy, and political and historical background. It’s a great way for the Japanese to get to know different nations,” he said.
Sugano also noted that the expo offers international participants a chance to learn about Japan and explore cooperation opportunities, as high-level officials are also among the visitors.
He said more than 300 ministers, nearly 100 heads of state and royal family members from around the world have visited the expo, which he called “a great opportunity to showcase Japan’s vision of a future society and its cultural way of life.”
Osaka, which hosted Asia’s first expo in 1970, welcomed 64 million visitors that year, becoming the most visited expo of the 20th century.
Fifty-five years later, Japan’s Osaka 2025 Expo continues to welcome more than 100,000 visitors daily.
- 'Osaka Expo 2025 has so far welcomed 25 million visitors'
Sachiko Yoshimura from the Public Relations and Promotion Office noted that 158 countries were placed around a central circle for the event.
She explained that the event seeks to showcase Japanese technology and attract international attention.
“Despite the challenges and initial doubts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Osaka Expo 2025 has so far hosted 25 million visitors,” said Yoshimura, calling the expo a way to bring the world back together despite difficulties.
Yoshimura also stressed the expo's focus on sustainability, as pavilions were made from recyclable materials.
Waste separation, particularly between plastic and non-plastic materials, is encouraged to promote sustainability, she explained.
When the expo ends, the island site will be restored to its natural state, while the “Grand Ring” structure may be repurposed for future use.
Event mascot: 'Myaku-Myaku'
Yoshimura said that the official mascot, “Myaku-Myaku,” has become widely recognized across Japan, even though it was initially not well-received by the public.
“People used to say it looked like a monster, but now everyone loves it,” said Yoshimura.
She explained that Myaku-Myaku, which has multiple eyes and is red and blue, carries symbolic meaning: “The red part of Myaku represents life within the body, reflecting the theme of ‘life itself,’ while the blue part symbolizes the ocean, because not only humans but also animals and the planet depend on water. Every part of the design has meaning.”
Yoshimura added that the word “myaku” alone means “pulse,” while “myaku myaku” together signifies “continuity.”
