The countdown to Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai has begun, and the excitement is spreading across Japan and the world. Scheduled to open on April 13, 2025, and run until October 13, 2025, this global event is expected to welcome more than 28 million visitors from around the world. With its visionary theme, futuristic architecture, and cultural showcases, Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai promises to be one of the most significant world expos in history.
But this is not Osaka’s first time hosting the world. In 1970, the city staged Expo ’70, an unforgettable cultural and technological milestone that marked Japan’s arrival as a modern global power. Half a century later, Osaka is once again preparing to serve as the crossroads of nations, knowledge, and imagination.
In this article, we will explore the highlights of Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, revisit the legacy of Expo ’70, and take a closer look at some of the most anticipated pavilions—including those from Canada, Australia, South Korea, and the special pavilion where you can meet the official mascot, Myaku-Myaku. Whether you are a traveler, a student of history, or simply someone curious about the future of humanity, this guide will give you everything you need to know about World Expo Japan 2025.
The Vision of Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai
The official theme of the event is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” This concept reflects a commitment to solving global challenges through collaboration, innovation, and creativity. From cutting-edge medical technologies to sustainable energy solutions, Expo 2025 will showcase how the world can come together to build a better tomorrow.
The venue, Yumeshima Island, a man-made island in Osaka Bay, will be transformed into a futuristic city of ideas. The site will be divided into zones representing different aspects of human progress, and its iconic circular layout is designed to symbolize harmony and interconnectedness.
A Legacy That Began in 1970: Expo ’70 Osaka
Before looking forward, it is worth reflecting on the past. The 1970 Osaka Expo was the first World Expo ever held in Japan and remains one of the most celebrated in history. With over 64 million visitors, it set a record at the time and introduced countless innovations to the world.
Expo ’70 was famous for its Tower of the Sun, a bold and artistic creation by Japanese artist Tarō Okamoto, which still stands in Expo ’70 Commemorative Park today. It was also the stage where groundbreaking technologies were first introduced to the public—such as mobile phones, magnetic levitation trains, and early forms of communication satellites.
More than just a showcase of technology, Expo ’70 symbolized Japan’s recovery from World War II and its rapid transformation into a leader in science, culture, and diplomacy. For many Japanese citizens, the memories of Expo ’70 remain deeply nostalgic, and the 2025 event is seen as both a continuation of that legacy and a chance to inspire a new generation.
Highlights of Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai
Instead of being just a trade fair, Expo 2025 is about imagination, dialogue, and vision. Let me share some of the pavilions I visited that stood out the most, each offering its own cultural and technological surprises.
Canada Pavilion
You don’t need a reservation to enjoy the experience, which makes it really easy to drop by even on a busy day. As soon as you step inside, you’re handed a tablet device that becomes your personal guide. With it, you can interact with digital displays that bring Canada’s nature to life—from vast forests and sparkling lakes to the Northern Lights. It feels almost like you’re traveling across the country without leaving Osaka.
Australia Pavilion
you’ll get to explore the beauty of Australia’s nature—its deserts, beaches, forests, and reefs—without ever leaving Osaka. Thanks to advanced technology, the pavilion lets you watch how these landscapes change over time, like rain bringing the desert to life or the sky shifting from sunrise to sunset. It feels like stepping into Australia’s great outdoors while enjoying an interactive, high-tech twist.
Korea Pavilion
This is set to be one of the hottest spots at Expo 2025. Inside, you can dive into a high-tech world where music and technology come together for an unforgettable interactive K-pop-inspired experience. Of course, it’s not just about the future—you’ll also find traditional art, culture, and even a Korean restaurant serving classics like bibimbap and bulgogi. With its mix of cutting-edge tech, culture, and delicious food, this pavilion promises to be a must-visit.
Meet Myaku-Myaku: The Heart of Expo 2025
At Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, visitors can stop by the Myaku-Myaku House, where they’ll have the chance to meet Myaku-Myaku in person and take photos together. Although this red-and-blue character was initially seen as a little strange, its playful movements have won over countless fans. Today, Myaku-Myaku is loved for its unique charm, and the pavilion is quickly becoming a must-visit spot, especially for families and younger travelers.
Expo 2025 and Its Role in Osaka’s Future
Osaka has long been Japan’s “kitchen of the nation,” famous for its food culture, hospitality, and entrepreneurial spirit. Hosting Expo 2025 is not just about welcoming international visitors—it is also about reshaping Osaka’s role in the 21st century.
The event is expected to boost tourism, inspire new industries, and transform Yumeshima Island into a hub of innovation even after the expo ends. Much like Expo ’70 left behind cultural and technological legacies, Expo 2025 aims to create long-term benefits for Osaka, the Kansai region, and Japan as a whole.
Why You Should Visit Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai
Travelers from around the world will find Expo 2025 an unforgettable destination. Beyond the pavilions, Osaka itself offers countless attractions—Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan, Dotonbori’s neon nightlife, and world-class street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Nearby cities such as Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe are only a short train ride away, making the expo the perfect centerpiece of a larger Japanese adventure.
For many, attending World Expo Japan 2025 is not only about witnessing the latest in science and culture but also about becoming part of a global dialogue on the future of humanity.
Conclusion
From its futuristic pavilions to the spirit of innovation that connects it to Expo ’70, Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai will be more than just an event—it will be a living experience. The presence of exciting international showcases such as the Canada, Australia, and South Korea pavilions, along with the chance to meet the beloved mascot Myaku-Myaku, ensures that visitors will enjoy both cultural depth and playful wonder.
As the world gathers in Osaka, this World Expo will stand as a reminder of what humanity can achieve when nations come together with imagination and purpose. If Expo ’70 represented Japan’s rebirth and modernization, Expo 2025 represents its role as a leader in creating a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative future.
So whether you are planning your first trip to Japan or you are a seasoned traveler, Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai is an unmissable event that will define this decade’s vision of progress.
