Expo 2025 Kicks Off in Osaka: A Global Showcase for Innovation and Unity

Expo 2025 officially opened on April 13 in Osaka, Japan, under the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives." Hosted on Yumeshima, a reclaimed island in Osaka Bay, the six-month event aims to showcase global innovations and foster international unity.

This marks the second time Osaka has hosted a World Expo, the first being in 1970. The current exposition features participation from over 160 countries and organizations, each presenting innovations and cultural exhibits within approximately 80 uniquely designed pavilions.

A central architectural highlight is the "Grand Ring," a 2-kilometer-long, 20-meter-high wooden structure designed by architect Sou Fujimoto, symbolizing unity and diversity. The Grand Ring, constructed using traditional Japanese wooden joinery techniques, covers an area of 61,035 square meters, making it the largest wooden architectural structure in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed hope that the Expo would serve as a beacon of unity amid current geopolitical tensions and post-pandemic challenges. Emperor Naruhito also attended the opening ceremony, reflecting on the legacy of the 1970 Osaka Expo and encouraging youth engagement with future-oriented innovations.

Despite the ambitious scope, the Expo faces challenges, including construction delays affecting several national pavilions and concerns over its 235-billion-yen budget. Organizers anticipate 28 million visitors over the event's duration, though only 9 million tickets have been sold to date.

The Expo serves as a platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies, cultural exchange, and discussions on sustainable development, aiming to address global issues and envision a collaborative future society.

The event is scheduled to run until October 13, 2025, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with a diverse array of exhibits and innovations from around the world.