OSAKA, Japan — The much-anticipated Expo 2025 officially kicked off in Osaka on Sunday. The event began with a remarkable performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, bringing together over 10,000 people to celebrate the start of this six-month international exhibition. Organizers hope that this Expo will serve as a platform to unite a world that is often divided by conflict and disagreements.
What is Expo 2025 Osaka about?
Expo 2025 takes place on Yumeshima, a unique site that has been transformed from an industrial waste area into a vibrant Expo venue. More than 160 countries, regions, and organizations are participating, showcasing their innovative ideas and exhibits within roughly 80 uniquely designed pavilions. The primary theme of the Expo is “Creating a future society for our lives,” marking Osaka’s second time hosting the event since the widely successful Expo in 1970, which saw 64 million visitors.
Despite high hopes for the event, ticket sales have been slower than expected, with only around 9 million tickets sold so far, while organizers had initially aimed for 14 million. Nonetheless, attendees like Daiki Chiba from Sendai expressed their excitement, noting the long wait since the last Expo in Osaka.
Visitors embraced the spirit of the Expo by carrying Myaku-Myaku mascots and wearing clothes in its colors—red, blue, and white.
What does it mean to hold Expo amid global tensions?
This Expo comes just four years after Japan faced challenges hosting the Tokyo Olympics under strict pandemic protocols. It also opens during a time marked by trade tensions, economic uncertainties, and ongoing global conflicts, such as the turmoil in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Japanese leaders, including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, view these global issues as a significant challenge. Ishiba expressed concerns that tariffs, like those imposed by former President Donald Trump, could negatively impact Japan’s economy across various sectors. Despite these challenges, organizers see the Expo as a potential opportunity for healing and building stronger international relationships. Sachiko Yoshimura, who leads global communications for Expo 2025, stated that this event could contribute to mending divisions around the world.
What is the Grand Ring?
A standout feature of the Expo is the Grand Ring, a massive wooden structure designed by architect Sou Fujimoto. This lattice-like installation holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest wooden architecture at 20 meters tall and 2 kilometers in circumference. However, its construction faced criticism due to costs that nearly doubled from initial estimates and delays exacerbated by a weaker yen. Some pavilions, like those from Nepal and India, were still unfinished for the Expo’s opening day.
The Grand Ring reflects the theme of sustainability, as it is designed to be partially reusable.
What are other highlights?
The Expo showcases cutting-edge technology, including robots and even flying cars, alongside elements of pop culture like Hello Kitty and Gundam. Visitors like Laurel Sylvester from New Zealand shared their enthusiasm about the various exhibits, particularly voicing interest in ocean sustainability.
Innovations on display include a small artificial heart that demonstrates a heartbeat and interactive robots. The U.S. pavilion is celebrating space exploration, featuring a lunar rock from the Apollo 12 mission that had been a highlight in the 1970 Expo.
Participating countries are bringing unique exhibits as well; Ukraine, under challenging conditions due to the ongoing war, attracted visitors with its interactive displays showcasing the realities of life amid conflict and the ongoing reconstruction efforts.
What is Myaku-Myaku?
Myaku-Myaku, a friendly character with a vibrant blue face and red balls, including eyeballs, welcomes guests at the Expo. Representing a fusion of elements from nature, Myaku-Myaku embodies the spirit of optimism and resilience, promising to find a rainbow after every storm.
This Expo presents an opportunity for global dialogue and cooperation amid challenging times, and Japan is determined to make the most of the moment.
