A Visit to the 2025 Osaka World Expo

By: Scott Gillies
Research Contributor: Corinna Kester; Photographer:
Hilary Bronwyn Gayle, SMPSP

The first thing most people say when I tell them I’m going to the World Expo in Osaka is, “Wait… they still do World’s Fairs?” (Of course after first asking… “What?” “What’s a World Expo?” “Didn’t they electrocute an elephant at a World’s Fair?”)

But yes. Yes, they do still have World’s Fairs! And if you’re into immersive experiences, international culture, dazzling (albeit ego-stroking) architecture, or even just really cute mascots, the World Expo is worth the trip.

The 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan is a sprawling celebration of global collaboration, future-focused tech, and human connection. Imagine the Olympics but instead of sports every country is sharing culture, science, and stories. Or think EPCOT with more countries, fewer cartoon mice, and a surprising number of strange animatronics. Also think of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Seattle Space Needle, San Francisco’s Treasure Island, or the Statue of Liberty’s head and arm, and innovations like the elevator, telephone, dishwasher, zippers, spray paint, TV, touch screens, ketchup, x-rays, ice cream cones, IMAX, the Ferris wheel, audio animatronics, and It’s a Small World.

So why write about a World Expo for No Proscenium?

Well, most people, at least outside of Asia and Europe, have no idea it’s even happening. And this is the most immersive global event happening right now. From high-concept pavilion design to heartfelt human interaction, the Expo is a rich playground for the curious and culturally attuned, and in these times we need hopeful and innovative spaces.

Expo Details

Theme: Designing Future Society for Our Lives

Subthemes: Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives

Concept: People’s Living Lab — A laboratory for a future society.

Dates: April 13th to October 13th, 2025

Location: Yumeshima, Osaka, Kansai, Japan

Expected Attendance: 28 million people

Countries: Over 150 countries represented

What’s It Like?

There’s something genuinely joyful and heartwarming about wandering a futuristic park filled with architectural marvels and talking to someone from halfway across the world who’s thrilled to tell you about their country.

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Some standout moments:

• Germany’s pavilion features a charming little round toy guide who’s as delightful as he is informative. The cuteness of this little guy can’t even be expressed! WA!
• America’s pavilion has an exceptionally catchy song and a beautiful, hopeful message about diversity, connection, sparking curiosity and working together.

• Ukraine and Kuwait both deliver thoughtful, beautiful exhibits — blending tech, art, and storytelling.
• The Japanese Sponsored Pavilions have so much to offer. From high-tech installations to regional treats, they’re lovingly crafted tributes to local culture and new or near-future technologies.

• The mascots are ridiculously cute and playful. Many pavilions have their own mascot, and there are also many other mascots representing different parts of Japan. Be prepared to become obsessed!
• The music and live performances range from traditional dance, to J-pop, to experimental soundscapes. Also, they not only have an official song of the Expo, but they also have an official dance.
• The Food. Absolutely a reason to go all by itself. Each zone has its own delicious offerings, from regional Japanese specialties to international dishes that turn lunch into a world food festival.

Design Nerds, Take Note

Many of the pavilions are the product of world-class architects and designers. Firms like BRC, flora&faunavisions, and LAVA have lent their visionary styles to the Expo landscape, and the result is a walking gallery of tomorrow’s architecture and experiences, where every space and interaction has been thoughtfully designed.

Each pavilion reflects its country’s personality through design; some are towering, high-concept installations, others opt for minimalism and simple human-scale storytelling. The Japanese sponsored pavilion, Null Squared, takes us through a conceptual existential experience of becoming digitized and flowing through the spaces within the pavilion as we look at ourselves through infinite images. Hungary has a beautiful, singular performance placed in the middle of a star field, as we are transported along with the performer through song. Ukraine has a small shop of things you can’t buy, showing how they are not for sale, “because human rights are priceless.” Each one has something to offer, and wandering from one to the next is an exploration of humanity in its many shapes and forms.

And there could be a whole article about the special outfits designed for each pavilion, but we only have so much space, and sadly, there’s not a ton of documentation on all of the pavilion uniforms. The Expo shares information about their official uniforms, but this just scratches the surface! With that said, there are so many amazingly designed pieces from buildings, to performances, to costumes, to shows, that design enthusiasts can’t help but to be captivated and inspired.

Tips for a Great Visit

• Treat it like a theme park. You’ll walk a lot. Bring comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, and pace yourself. Expect lines, especially at the more buzzworthy pavilions and during peak hours. The beginning and end of the day have the shortest lines. If you go during the Summer, expect it to be muggy and hot!
• Reservations are essential. Many major pavilions require timed-entry reservations through a system of several phases, which can be a bit confusing. Do your research ahead of time; there’s plenty of sites and forums with details and suggestions.
• Start with Japan. As expected, many of the Japanese pavilions (including corporate and regional showcases) feature stunning design and thoughtful storytelling. These require reservations and will fill quickly.
• Talk to people. Every pavilion has staff from their home countries. They’re eager to chat, and these conversations are often the most meaningful experiences you’ll have. Allow yourself time to slow down for a moment and connect.
• Check out the Setouchi Triennale. If you’re in Japan for the Expo, this incredible art festival on islands to the South is a perfect cultural side trip.

Why Go?

Joy is underrated, curiosity is contagious, and hope is essential. And this might be the most global, immersive event happening this decade that’s all under one roof (well, many dazzling, sculptural roofs on an island in Osaka bay).

The 2025 World Expo shows that, even within an age of digital hyperconnectivity, we still need physical spaces that allow for moments of connection to cultivate empathy, share ideas and understanding, encourage curiosity, and remind us of the value of human interaction.

So, yes, they still do World’s Fairs… Thank goodness.

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