After 55 years, Osaka will once again host the World Expo. This year’s theme, Designing Future Society for Our Lives, aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. Osaka Expo hopes to give that push needed to reach the SDGs by 2030, where countries will gather to introduce new technological advancements to improve everyday life. These ideas will bring about further domestic and overseas investment, a chance for people from different countries to discuss ideas, and help small and medium-scale economies.
What is The Purpose of a World Expo?
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The main goal of any World Expo is to bring countries together to showcase their achievements, innovations, and cultural heritage. This event is a great way to showcase each country’s work and provides a platform for collaboration, economic growth, and knowledge exchange.
Key objectives of a World Expo include:
- Innovation and technology
- Cultural exchange
- Economic growth and trade
- Sustainable and future vision
- Diplomatic and international cooperation
Themes for World Expos were introduced in 1933, with recent expos focusing on food security, sustainability, and urban development. Osaka Expo 2025 will highlight sustainability and tackle topics like climate change, healthcare, and digital transformation, with its sub-themes being saving lives, empowering lives, and connecting lives.
About Osaka Expo 2025
The official theme song for the Osaka Expo is “Kono Hoshi no Tsuzuki wo,” which expresses hopes for the Expo’s opening and subsequent impact. If you’d like to sing along to the music, check out the Osaka Expo website, where you can find the song lyrics and choreography.
Osaka Expo will be held from April 13th to October 13th, giving the public ample time to plan and visit! There will be 43 official participants in attendance, each with its own pavilion. Each pavilion will host events showcasing its culture, technological advances, and efforts to go green. Be sure to visit all pavilions, as each has its respective theme, which is showcased through the pavilion’s architectural design. Take Switzerland’s pavilion, showcasing its three themes: “Life,” “Planet,” and “Augmented Human.” The spherical structure is Switzerland’s smallest pavilion compared to past pavilions they’ve had, with the intent to reduce their carbon footprint.
Osaka Expo 2025 Highlights
With over 160 participants attending the Osaka Expo, there will be plenty to do and explore throughout the days. Here are some significant highlights.
National Days And Special Days at Expo Hall “Shining Hat”
With many countries present, there will be plenty of celebrations. At the Shining Hat at the Expo Hall, countries/ regions and international organizations will hold performances to celebrate their National Day and Special Days. Enjoy several performances from official participants and help foster global fellowship and cultural understanding. Every day, there will be a different country, region, or international organization for the rest of the Expo, so make sure to check the calendar to see who will be taking the stage on the day of your visit.
One World, One Planet
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One World, One Planet is a highlighted event and special ceremony meant to bring the world’s hopes together. The venue will be surrounded by synchronized sound systems, lights, and projection mapping, allowing visitors to enjoy an immersive experience. Visitors can post their wishes and hopes for the future through an AR symbol. One World, One Planet can be enjoyed every day throughout the Expo after sunset hours.
Physical Twin Symphony
Physical Twin Symphony, previously called “The Human Orchestra,” is an experimental live entertainment event. It is meant to bring people and technology to create music and sound. With AI technology, anyone can become a musician and harmonize with each other. Experience a new kind of live entertainment at the Physical Twin Symphony, which will be held at the Expo Hall on the first eight days of the Expo.
Expo Sauna “Taiyo’s Tsubomi”
The Expo Sauna “Taiyo’s Tsubomi” will be in the Future Life Zone, where people can relax and overlook Osaka Bay. It is less of an event and more of a co-creation area meant to personify a soft and warm future society. Each tent structure is covered with an ETFE(*1) film material that beautifully transmits natural light, and LED lights further enhance its beauty. The Expo Sauna “Taiyo’s Tsubomi” can be enjoyed daily throughout the Expo.
*1 ETFE film: high-performance fluoropolymer rolled into film form. It is attracting attention as a material that can replace glass for new architectural expression.
Under The Midnight Rainbow
Performances will be held throughout the Expo, screening a short movie about a child named Ao who lives on an island with a unique festival whenever they encounter a rare rainbow. Ao happens to run into one and begins to partake in the festivities; we join Ao as he interacts with all living creatures throughout the story.
This is truly a spectacular show, and performances are scheduled from the 13th of April until the 13th of October.
Visit the official site to view specific dates and get your tickets beforehand.
Visiting Osaka Expo 2025
Don’t miss the chance to experience an event that only happens every 25 years. Visit the Osaka Expo and learn all about what the world is doing. Appropriate for all ages and especially for curious minds, visit the ticket page to see which tickets work for you.
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Featured image credit: notethanun via Unsplash
