Highlights of Japan’s vision for a sustainable future at Expo 2025 Osaka

Expo 2025 is set to be a showcase of sustainable innovation and will be held from 13 April to 13 October 2025 on the iconic artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka. It is a platform that brings nations, organisations and innovators together to collaborate on addressing global challenges. Expo 2025 is exciting because it showcases new ideas and technologies, as well as the latest solutions that inspire further innovation.

The expo’s official theme is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, which aims to help people from all walks of life imagine and gain hints on how to design a future that is sustainable, inclusive and resilient. The three focus areas include:

• Saving lives: Focused on protecting and improving health and well-being for all
• Empowering lives: Leveraging new technologies to lead a more purposeful life
• Connecting lives: Building partnerships and better communication to collaborate for sustainability

These themes are important for Japan, as the country envisions a Society 5.0, where advanced technologies empower a human-centred society. These include hot topics such as AI, IoT and robotics. For Expo 2025, the message of sustainability is strong, with pavilions showcasing eco-conscious designs and a high emphasis on renewable energy.

Osaka Expo 2025 is the latest addition to a long line of major international expositions. The tradition of global expositions began with the Great Exhibition in London in 1851, which established a model for displaying industrial achievements and promoting cultural exchange. Over time, these exhibitions have evolved into platforms for presenting contemporary innovations and addressing global issues, driving forward international progress. The timing is crucial too, as the urgency to address the climate crisis increases.

Japan’s pavilions to look out for at Expo 2025

Below are some of the pavilions that promise to deliver a hopeful and environmentally responsible experience.

1. (Circularity) Japan Pavilion: Between Lives

The Japan Pavilion is the official pavilion of the Japanese government. Visitors can expect an immersive experience of Japan’s concept of circulation, with the theme conveying the cycle of life. The pavilion presents how waste is transformed into new energy through processes such as biogas production and modular construction using cross-laminated timber (CLT). This design exemplifies a circular economy, as materials will be deconstructed and reused in other architectural projects after the expo, reinforcing continuous resource use. The attendants’ uniforms are also eco-friendly while embodying Japanese aesthetics.

2. (Culture) Kansai Pavilion: The brilliance of Kansai’s rich history and its present day

The Kansai Pavilion highlights regional innovation, showcasing the sustainable practices and cultural traditions of the Kansai area, which includes Kyoto, Nara, Mie and Tokushima. Its theme and design reflect the hope that visitors can imagine the future by experiencing Kansai’s past and present. The pavilion will feature local technologies, from eco-friendly agriculture to craft-based production methods, illustrating how communities integrate sustainability into daily life.

3. (Nature) Sumitomo Pavilion: Toward a future from the forest

The Sumitomo Pavilion expresses sustainability through nature-based design, revealing to visitors the deep, hidden connections we share with forests. Beyond storytelling and showcasing cutting-edge technologies and sustainability concepts, visitors can engage in tree-planting activities and interact with products made from forest materials. The architecture features 1,000 trees grown by the Sumitomo Group.

4. (Communications) NTT Pavilion: Parallel Travel

The NTT Pavilion’s design concept focuses on creating a space that responds to natural elements and human emotions. NTT (Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation), one of Japan’s largest telecommunications companies, uses its expertise to offer entertainment experiences demonstrating the possibilities of IoT and real-time data management. The pavilion is divided into three areas that demonstrate IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network), NTT’s next-generation communications infrastructure initiative.

5. (Well-being) Osaka Healthcare Pavilion: Nest for Reborn

Inspired by a bird’s nest, this pavilion symbolises new growth, reflected in its theme “REBORN.” Visitors will be invited to reflect on how they live, rediscovering personal values, purpose and roles in their community and the wider world. Universal Design principles have been incorporated, ensuring accessibility for visitors of all nationalities, cultures, races, genders, generations and abilities. (Monster Hunter fans may want to reserve a spot for the experience at the XD Hall!)

6. (Energy) Electric Power Pavilion: Eggs of Possibilities

You won’t miss this pavilion; it is shaped like a huge egg! Designed to change appearance depending on weather and time of day, the pavilion represents the Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan. Visitors will explore “possibilities” such as “Nuclear Fusion”, “Hydrogen” and “CO2 Resource Utilisation”. The pavilion also features merchandise from the Electric Power Museum.

More information about Expo 2025 Osaka

The diversity and creativity of the pavilions and themes are all interwoven under the expo’s central theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” Whether you’re interested in circular economy or well-being, Expo 2025 offers a wealth of inspiration for a hopeful future.

Here is some information in case you’re planning a visit:

Dates: 13 April ~ 13 October 2025
Location: Yumeshima, Osaka Prefecture (Google Map)
Address: J9XM+M9, 1 Chome Yumeshimanaka, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0044
Directions: Access to Expo Site Location
Website: Expo 2025 Homepage
Tickets: Admission Tickets Information