What You Can See at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai
Osaka-Kansai Expo Overview
The Osaka-Kansai Expo, commencing on April 13, 2025, offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with global cultures and cutting-edge technologies. This guide provides an overview of the Expo's themes, key attractions, and essential information to enhance your visit.
Contents:
１．What Is Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai?
２．Experiences at the Expo
３．Venue and Access Information
４．Ticket Information
５．Official Character: Myaku-Myaku
６．Must-See Highlights
１．What Is Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai?
The World Expo is an international event held every five years, focusing on new technologies, cultural exchange, and addressing global challenges. The 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo's theme is "Designing Future Society for Our Lives", aiming to showcase innovations that contribute to a sustainable and vibrant future.
The Expo seeks to build on the momentum from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games to promote growth in Osaka, the Kansai region, and Japan as a whole.
Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): With 2025 marking five years until the 2030 UN SDG targets, the Expo will serve as a global platform to accelerate progress through collaboration and innovation.
Realizing Society 5.0: It is a Japanese vision for the future that combines physical and digital spaces to create a human-centered, sustainable society. The Expo will showcase Japan’s national strategy for a human-centered society that integrates cyberspace and physical space, aiming to drive economic growth while solving social issues.
As a result, Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is expected to drive sustainable development by revitalizing the economy, fostering innovation, and promoting cultural exchange. The event will generate an economic impact of approximately 2 trillion yen, stimulating business growth and strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises. It will also serve as a global platform for collaboration, bringing together cutting-edge technologies and ideas from around the world. Additionally, by showcasing Japan’s rich culture, the Expo will enhance international understanding and contribute to building a future society that balances economic progress with solutions to global challenges.
２．Experiences at the Expo
Cutting-Edge Technologies
With participation from 161 countries and regions, along with 9 international organizations, the Expo serves as a "People’s Living Lab". Visitors can experience advancements in carbon neutrality, digital innovations, and next-generation mobility. Virtual Expo utilizing AR and VR technologies will also be available, allowing global audiences to engage remotely.
Global Cultural Exchange
The Expo features pavilions from various countries, each presenting unique cultural and technological exhibits. For instance, the United States pavilion, inspired by the concept of "wabi-sabi", showcases a triangular wooden structure with illuminated cubes displaying American landmarks. The Canada pavilion, themed "Regeneration", features a design reminiscent of melting ice, highlighting the country's commitment to sustainability.
Engagement with Social Issues
The Japan Pavilion, with its circular design, focuses on the theme "Between Lives", emphasizing humanity's role within natural cycles. The pavilion incorporates a biogas plant and CO2 recycling technology, offering visitors insights into sustainable living practices.
３．Venue and Access Information
The Expo will be held on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka's Konohana Ward. Access is primarily via public transportation, with the newly opened "Yumeshima Station" on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line providing direct entry to the East Gate of the venue. Visitors are encouraged to use trains and buses, as there are no parking facilities available on-site.
<Access information>
https://www.expo2025.or.jp/expo-map-index/access/
４．Ticket Information
To purchase tickets for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, you must first register for an ExpoID. This ID is essential for managing your ticket purchases and reservations. A variety of types of tickets are available, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your needs. Options include One-Day Tickets, Multiple-Entry Passes, and Special Tickets, among others. After purchasing your ticket, it's necessary to reserve your visit date and time in advance. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis starting six months prior to your desired visit date. In addition to scheduling your visit, certain pavilions and events may require separate reservations or participation in a lottery system. It's advisable to check the specific requirements for each attraction and plan accordingly. For detailed information on ticket types, pricing, and the reservation process, please visit the official Expo 2025 ticket information page.
<Tickets information>
https://www.expo2025.or.jp/tickets-index/
５．Official Character: Myaku-Myaku
The official mascot of Expo 2025 is Myaku-Myaku, a mysterious creature born from the fusion of cells and water. Its amorphous form symbolizes the continuous flow and connection of life. The name Myaku-Myaku, meaning "steadily pulsing," reflects this essence.
Myaku-Myaku was selected through a design competition that received 1,898 entries, with the winning design by illustrator Kouhei Yamashita unveiled in March 2022. The character actively promotes the Expo, appearing in public events and media.
Official Expo stores sell a variety of Myaku-Myaku merchandise, including collaborations with companies like Sanrio, making them perfect souvenirs.
<Official Expo Shop>
６．Must-See Highlights
Grand Roof Ring: massive wooden structure encircling the venue, providing shade and serving as a symbolic pathway connecting various zones.
Signature Pavilions: Eight unique pavilions, each curated by a prominent figure, offering diverse perspectives on the Expo's theme.
Corporate Pavilions: Thirteen companies and organizations present innovative exhibits and performances aligned with the Expo's vision.
Osaka Healthcare Pavilion "Nest for Reborn": collaborative effort showcasing future urban living and healthcare advancements.
Kansai Pavilion: Highlighting the rich nature, culture, and technology of the Kansai region, providing insights into its unique attractions.
Interactive Entertainment: Engaging programs, including water shows and projection mapping, offer immersive experiences for visitors.
The Osaka-Kansai Expo is a convergence of global wisdom and innovation, offering visitors a chance to explore future societal concepts and engage with diverse cultures. By planning your visit and exploring the surrounding Kansai region, you can create a memorable and enriching experience.
＜Resources＞
Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition
Osaka Prefectural Government
https://www.pref.osaka.lg.jp/o030010020/bampaku_suishin/2025expo/index.html
EXPO 2025 Official Store
GOOD LUCK TRIP
https://www.gltjp.com/ja/article/item/20855/
Society 5.0
https://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/english/society5_0/index.html