Designing the Future: Highlights from Japan Expo 2025

Japan Expo 2025 officially opened on April 13, 2025, in Osaka, marking a significant global event under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” Hosted on the reclaimed Yumeshima Island, the expo aims to foster global unity and innovation over its six-month duration, concluding on October 13, 2025.

Global Participation & Themes

The expo features participation from over 160 countries and regions, each presenting unique perspectives on the sub-themes: "Saving Lives," "Empowering Lives," and "Connecting Lives." These themes are explored through approximately 80 pavilions showcasing advancements in healthcare, sustainability, and digital innovation. ​

UAE's Role on the Global Stage

The United Arab Emirates is showcasing its forward-thinking vision through a pavilion themed “Impossible is Possible,” reflecting the country’s ambitious strides in space exploration, renewable energy, and digital transformation. The UAE Pavilion highlights:

• Mars Mission & Beyond: Featuring the Hope Probe and future space plans.

• Smart Cities & Sustainability: Showcasing innovations in urban development and clean energy.

• Cultural Fusion: Fusing Emirati heritage with cutting-edge tech to present a unique national identity.

The UAE presence at Expo 2025 underscores its commitment to being a global player in building a connected, sustainable future.

Architectural Highlights

A central architectural marvel is the “Grand Ring,” a 20-meter-high, 2-kilometer-circumference wooden structure encircling the main expo area. Recognized as the world's largest wooden building, it symbolizes unity and sustainability. ​

Technological Innovations

Visitors can experience cutting-edge technologies, including: 

• A beating heart grown from stem cells.Displays of Martian meteorites.​

• Robotics and AI demonstrations.​

• Exhibits on space exploration missions. ​

Cultural Exhibits

Cultural attractions include:​ 

• The world's longest sushi conveyor belt.​ 

• Pavilions featuring pop culture icons like Hello Kitty and Gundam.​ 

• Ireland's pavilion showcasing the "Magnus Rinn" sculpture, reflecting themes of tension and harmony.

Visitor Information

• Dates: April 13 – October 13, 2025​ 

• Location: Yumeshima Island, Osaka, Japan​ 

• Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily 

• Tickets: Approximately 9 million tickets sold to date, with a target of 28 million visitors. ​