This year’s World Expo theme is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” and features innovative technology from 158 countries in Osaka, Japan. (Wikimedia Commons)
World Expo 2025, the latest chapter of an event that traces its roots to the mid-19th century, is underway in Japan with a mission to reconnect the world’s citizens.
Born out of the historic world fairs, the international event returns to Japan for the third time. This year’s theme is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” and features innovative technology from 158 countries. It runs through Oct. 13 on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay.
“(The) significance of hosting this Osaka-Kansai Expo has never been higher as it is held under the topic of lives and aspiration to reconnect to the world rather than polarization,” Hiroyuki Ishige, a senior executive board member of Japan’s Association for the 2025 World Exposition, told reporters in February.
Myaku-Myaku is the mascot for World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. (Wikimedia Commons)
The expo’s goal is to highlight innovations from around the world in “an effort to address issues facing humankind on a global scale,” according to the expo’s website.
Organizers describe the event as a platform to showcase innovations aimed at addressing global challenges – from climate change to inequality. The site is divided into eight zones, each hosting national pavilions that align with the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Japan’s own national strategy, Society 5.0, which seeks to integrate digital and physical technologies to create a more inclusive and sustainable society, also underpins the event’s vision.
At the expo, visitors will see flying cars, self-driving electric buses and automatic human washing machines — podlike installations that use water jets, nanobubbles and ultrasonic waves for a full-body wash — that are leaps beyond the elevator and telephone exhibits of the 19th century.
The Italy Pavilion at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. (Wikimedia Commons)
The Netherlands Pavilion at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. (Wikimedia Commons)
People approach the Spain Pavilion at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. (Wikimedia Commons)
“A World Exposition is a place where new technologies and products are born, triggering greater convenience in our daily life,” the event’s official website states.
In another first, the site will operate on a completely cashless payment system. Patrons can use credit cards, e-money or smartphone-based payment codes — another sign that the future, at least here, may be paper-free.
Not everyone in Osaka has embraced the expo with enthusiasm. According to a recent report by the Mainichi newspaper, the cost of hosting the event has soared. What was once projected to cost $873 million in construction has doubled, and the operating budget has reached $812 million. The report also noted that four international pavilions remain under construction.
On the QT
Directions: Arriving via the Shinkansen, exit at Shin Osaka Station, then take the Osaka Metro Chuo Line to Yumeshima Station.
Times: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; individual pavilions may operate on their own schedule.
Costs: Admission is 5,000 yen for adults; 3,000 yen for ages 12-17; 1,200 yen for ages 4-11; free for 3 and younger. Prices may vary with ticket type.
Food: A variety of restaurants are available.
Information: Online: expo2025.org.jp/en
