World Expo 2025 is one of the most anticipated events of the year. It will showcase cutting-edge technologies and a model of the society of the future, with 158 countries participating.
Expo 2025 is a World Expo that will take place this year in Osaka. Imagine a small city built on an artificial island, showcasing the society of the future. Flying cars as a mode of transportation, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other advanced technologies will coexist in harmony with people and nature. Visitors can enjoy captivating art installations and illumination shows, and even relax in a real forest set amidst high-tech pavilions. Why else is the world so excited about the Expo in Japan? Find out in our overview.
What is a World Expo?
The World Expo is a large-scale international exhibition dedicated to new technologies, culture, economy, ecology, social development, and other global themes. It is organized by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) and hosted in cities around the world with the participation of most countries.
There are different types of Expos, such as Specialized and Horticultural Expos, but the largest and most prestigious is the World Expo. It takes place once every five years and lasts for six months.
Cities interested in hosting the Expo submit their applications in advance, and the project with the most compelling vision and concept is ultimately selected. Each Expo is built around a unique theme, and participants design their pavilions and exhibitions to reflect that central idea.
Expo is truly a grand-scale event — the exhibition site can span over 500 hectares, and daily attendance can exceed 200,000 visitors, with up to 70 million people visiting over the course of the event. But that's not all — many participants construct their own pavilions, with costs reaching up to 35 million euros.
Because of this scale, only countries, large corporations, and various international or civil organizations are eligible to take part. And they’re eager to invest — because participating in an Expo isn't just prestigious, it's also highly beneficial. Nations and companies enhance their global image and attract valuable investments.
The previous Expo 2020 was held on a grand scale in the United Arab Emirates and offered a glimpse into what the near future could look like. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was postponed by a year and took place in 2021.
But in 2025, everything is expected to go according to plan — and there will definitely be plenty to see at the World Expo in Osaka. Japan’s Expo promises not only to build on the success of previous editions but also to be truly innovative, captivating, and futuristic.
Here's Why Expo 2025 in Osaka Will Amaze You
Expo in Japan will take place from April 13 to October 13, 2025, in Osaka. It will not only showcase a wide range of innovations but also explore how humanity can adapt to the world of the future.
The theme of the exhibition, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, places a strong emphasis on the social aspect. It aims to show how humanity might live in the future, how we can unlock our full potential, and how we can face new global challenges, including:
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Artificial intelligence;
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Robotics;
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High-quality remote education;
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Digitalization of information
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Cutting-edge information and communication technologies;
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International cooperation;
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Contemporary art;
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Healthcare and biotechnology;
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Increasing life expectancy;
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Carbon neutrality;
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Disaster prevention and response;
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Harmonious coexistence with nature.
The World Expo 2025 will take place on Yumeshima, a man-made island covering 1.55 square kilometers, located off the coast of Osaka. A state-of-the-art exhibition complex has been built specifically for the event, which the organizers describe as a “laboratory for the society of the future.”
Here, innovations won't just be on display — they'll be put to the test in real-life conditions. The venue will function as a miniature city with its own ecosystem, divided into three sections: a pavilion zone, a green zone, and a water zone.
It's hard to imagine a better location for building a city of the future — after all, “Yumeshima” translates from Japanese as “Dream Island.”
At the heart of this stunning complex is a futuristic circular structure that will house the exhibition area, while the surrounding zones will be dedicated to leisure and recreation.
To ensure easy access from other parts of Osaka, a dedicated railway station will be built for Expo 2025. Over the course of six months, more than 28 million visitors are expected to attend the Expo in Japan.
How Expo 2025 Is Organized
Pavilion World
The central area of the Expo 2025 exhibition site is called Pavilion World — this is where participants will showcase their pavilions and exhibits. It's the heart and most important part of the event, where groundbreaking innovations and diverse themed projects from countries, companies, brands, and organizations will be on display.
This is the most eye-catching part of the entire site, built in the shape of a massive ring that serves as the main thoroughfare of the Expo. Visitors will primarily move along this circular path as they explore the event.
The ring itself will have multiple levels — the lower level will feature a street sheltered from the sun and rain by a roof. Guests can also walk along the upper level, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the entire complex. The main street has been thoughtfully designed to ensure visitors can navigate the Expo 2025 site with ease and comfort.
Inside the ring, there will be a plaza with pavilions, roughly divided into three smaller zones dedicated to the Expo’s sub-themes: Empowering Lives (education, artificial intelligence, and technological innovation), Connecting Lives (community building and cooperation), and Saving Lives (healthcare and safety).
The largest pavilions will be built by the participants themselves and dismantled after the exhibition ends. Smaller pavilions will be provided by the organizers for those who prefer to rent one.
In these modern spaces, visitors will be able to experience truly exciting immersive installations and themed exhibits. For example, at the previous Expo 2020 in Dubai, guests could interact with robots, design their own aircraft on a touchscreen, fly in virtual reality, and even touch a real moon rock.
Expo 2025 is sure to impress visitors with equally fascinating ideas!
Forest of Tranquility
The Forest of Tranquility, like a green park in the heart of a bustling metropolis, reflects the idea of a modern, comfortable urban environment.
Although it is technically part of Pavilion World, this forest deserves special attention. Located at the very center of the ring, it is a spacious green area for relaxation right in the most dynamic part of the exhibition complex.
This isn't just a small decorative park — it will be a real forest covering 2.3 hectares, made up of over 1,500 tall trees transplanted from parks across Japan.
The forest is designed as a peaceful retreat where visitors can relax in the shade of Japanese maples and oaks, away from the hustle and bustle of the exhibition grounds. At its center, guests will even find a small pond to admire.
The Forest of Tranquility will be accessible via four different paths leading from the main circular street, with retail kiosks conveniently located at the entrances for visitors. Some themed pavilions may be integrated with the forest, offering unforgettable experiences in harmony with nature.
Green World
Unlike the densely packed Pavilion World, the Green World is an open space located to the left of the central ring, where visitors can relax and take part in various activities. This area is rich in greenery and features entertainment zones, shops, galleries, and restaurants with views of the Sea of Japan. Just above it, there will be a large parking area and an entire field of solar panels.
In addition to fun and leisure, Green World will also host several key attractions that are definitely worth a visit:
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an outdoor event space for concerts, theater performances, shows, and live acts;
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a plaza for 3D illuminated shows;
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a best practices zone, where participants from around the world will share experiences and solutions in various fields to promote global progress;
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and even a takeoff and landing area for flying cars, allowing visitors to travel between two points of the Expo site. After all, what city of the future would be complete without flying vehicles? They're sure to be one of the most unforgettable experiences at Expo 2025!
Water World
Water World is another key part of Expo 2025, symbolizing the connection between the city of the future, the sea, and the sky. This area consists of a section of the sea enclosed by a crescent-shaped seawall, topped with a viewing platform.
Various water-based events will take place here, visible from the waterfront promenade of the exhibition site. These may include spectacular illuminated shows on the water.
Society 5.0
Expo 2025 will showcase not only technological progress but also a vision of what the so-called Society 5.0 might look like. This is Japan's most advanced societal development strategy, covering social, economic, and cultural aspects. It was adopted by the Japanese government in 2016 as a model of the future society to strive for.
That's why the entire exhibition complex will be designed with the key features of Society 5.0 in mind — also known as the "Super Smart Society":
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Use of renewable energy;
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5G network;
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Flying card;
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Machine translation;
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Human-friendly robots;
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Apps utilizing an Expo information and communications technology (ICT) platform;
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MaaS.
The main goal of the Expo in Japan is not only to showcase how all these technologies work together but also to test how effectively the Society 5.0 strategy can function in practice today. After all, the future of society depends on us — and the best ideas can already be implemented and tested now.
You can learn more about how the organizers envision this future in the official Expo 2025 program.
Japanese Themed Projects at Expo 2025
As the host country of Expo 2025, Japan will present eight themed pavilions located at the heart of Pavilion World, within the central ring. These projects reflect ideas developed around the Expo’s main theme of designing the society of the future.
What makes them especially unique is that each of these art installations will be created by different Japanese scientists, cultural figures, and celebrities.
Quest of Life
Author: Shin-Ichi Fukuoka, Professor at Aoyama Gakuin University, Biologist
The idea behind this project is to showcase the evolution of living organisms made possible through symbiosis, not competition. Drawing a parallel with biological evolution, the project invites people to rethink the way society functions — shifting from egoism to altruism. If individuals support one another and act with the greater good in mind, the chances of building an advanced and harmonious society increase.
The entrance to the pavilion will resemble the cocoon of a Japanese silkworm, and the exhibitions inside will allow visitors to witness real-life examples of altruistic symbiosis among living organisms.
Visitors to Expo 2025 will also be able to explore a botanical garden called the “Wonderland of Life,” featuring a collection of plants carefully selected by Professor Fukuoka himself.
Totality of Life
Author: Shoji Kawamori, Animation Director, Mechanic Designer, Vision Creator
This pavilion is designed to showcase the diversity of life — across the universe, under the sea, and on Earth. It will offer a truly immersive journey through fantastical installations inspired by elements such as a giant tree, cubes, a space station, and a deep-sea submersible.
What makes the exhibition even more exciting is its creator: the renowned animator Shoji Kawamori, renowned for his mechanical designs in iconic anime like Macross and Gundam, and also known for contributing to the screenplay of the fan-favorite Cowboy Bebop.
Organizers promise that visitors will experience “the wonder of living together here and now,” with opportunities to join guided tours and workshops featuring augmented reality and other cutting-edge technologies.
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Embracing Lives
Author: Naomi Kawase, Filmmaker
The core idea of this project is to show that people need to be less closed off, learn to trust others more, and discover others within themselves in order to build a successful society and find happiness.
The pavilion is presented by director Naomi Kawase, whose films have been nominated multiple times for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Known for her minimalist, documentary-style, and emotionally powerful storytelling, Kawase brings these same qualities to the pavilion titled “Theater of Dialogues.”
Visitors will embark on an artistic journey around the world, encountering different people along the way — because without mutual trust, a flourishing society of the future is impossible.
Cycle of Lives
Author: Kundo Koyama, Broadcast Writer, Vice President of Kyoto University of the Arts
Japan is known for its unique food culture, which is deeply rooted in respect for food and gratitude for every meal. The project aims to highlight the value of sharing meals as a meaningful connection — not only between people but also with nature and culture.
A central part of this concept focuses on the Japanese expressions itadakimasu (頂きます) and gochisou-sama (ご馳走様). Itadakimasu roughly means “I humbly receive (this meal)” and is traditionally said before eating. Gochisou-sama is said after finishing a meal and expresses appreciation, meaning something like “that was a wonderful treat.”
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The project reflects the deep connection between food, culture, nature, and society. The pavilion itself will resemble a large structure with a thatched roof, while inside, visitors will find a futuristic space featuring tables shaped like a giant fried egg.
Guests will have the chance to learn not only about food but also about Japanese cuisine as a whole. The pavilion will include a food museum and even a "kitchen stadium," where cooking competitions are planned to be held after the Expo ends.
Amplification of Lives
Author: Hiroshi Ishiguro, Professor at Osaka University
If you're interested in the latest cutting-edge technologies, this pavilion will likely be one of the highlights for you. It focuses on a range of technological innovations — including artificial intelligence, robotics, computing, and molecular biology.
The concept of “Amplification of Lives” is based on the idea that only people themselves can create a better future — and to do that, we must harness the full potential of technology.
The exhibition will explore how humans can interact with machines and will feature artworks co-created by humans and robots. Visitors can also enjoy an opera performed by robots and even participate in events from anywhere in the world through digital avatars using virtual reality technology.
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Invigorating Lives
Author: Sachiko Nakajima, Musician, Mathematician
This jellyfish-shaped pavilion is a space for collaborative creativity, where people can enjoy life through various activities such as games, learning, sports, and art.
Here, visitors will be able to experience unique musical projects, explore mathematical illusions, and watch drone dances and robot athletes in action. They can also witness, through a first-person virtual reality experience, how discarded items are transformed into new materials through recycling.
With its imaginative and uplifting exhibits, this highly creative pavilion is sure to brighten the day of every visitor.
Forging Lives
Author: Yoichi Ochiai, Media Artist
A unique project in the form of a monument will showcase natural landscapes generated through the digital transformation of human emotions and senses.
The goal of this remarkable art installation is to demonstrate how the fusion of the natural and the artificial, the physical and the virtual, can lead humanity toward a successful future in harmony with nature.
Resonance of Lives
Author: Hiroaki Miyata, Professor at Keio University
This pavilion places the value of each individual and their uniqueness at the forefront — presenting a vision of a world where everyone has the opportunity to express themselves. At the center of the exhibition will be an installation based on a vast array of social data. It will highlight the relationship between time, nature, and human existence.
Conclusion
Expo 2025 in Japan is a truly innovative event worth experiencing. From groundbreaking technologies and contemporary art to the city of the future and other thrilling projects, it's sure to amaze the world.
The World Expo 2025 promises to be one of the most exciting in history — let's follow it together!