The Expo 2025 Osaka, the upcoming World Expo, is scheduled to take place in Osaka, Japan, from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The event will be hosted on Yumeshima Island, an artificial island located in Osaka Bay.
This six-month international exhibition is expected to attract approximately 28 million visitors and will feature participation from around 150 countries and 25 international organisations. The Expo’s theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” focuses on envisioning and creating sustainable and innovative solutions for future societies. https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/
The Expo will serve as a testing ground for the society of the future, featuring many cutting-edge technologies to be seen and experienced. The Expo 2025 Osaka will exhibit the following future technologies:
AI-Powered Human Washing Machine: Reviving a concept from Expo 1970, an advanced “human washing machine” using artificial intelligence to provide a comprehensive cleansing experience will be displayed. This modern version features a recliner, bubble bath, overhead shower, and blow dryer. Equipped with AI, it monitors users’ stress levels and vital signs, aiming to cleanse both the body and soul. The machine will be showcased at the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion during the Expo.
Hydrogen-Powered Vending Machines: Coca-Cola, in collaboration with Fuji Electric, is introducing hydrogen-powered vending machines that operate without the need for external power sources. These machines use replaceable hydrogen cartridges to generate electricity through a chemical reaction, allowing for flexible installation locations. A total of 58 units will be installed at the Expo.
Underwater Construction Robots: Komatsu Ltd. and Asunaro Aoki Construction Co., Ltd. will present “Underwater Construction of the Future,” highlighting advanced underwater construction robots. These electric robots are equipped with automatic control and ICT functions, enabling remote operation from safe, comfortable environments. The exhibit aims to demonstrate how such technology can contribute to disaster prevention, renewable energy projects, and environmental initiatives like creating seagrass beds to combat global warming.
“Future City” Pavilion: The “Future City” pavilion will feature 15 future experience attractions developed by 12 sponsoring companies and organizations. These exhibits will explore various aspects of future urban living, including advancements in Society 5.0, environment and energy solutions, transportation and mobility innovations, manufacturing and urban development, and food and agriculture technologies.
Androids and Robots: The “Future of Life” pavilion will showcase a diverse range of androids and robots designed to depict human-robot coexistence 50 years into the future. These robots aim to showcase advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence, offering visitors a glimpse into potential future interactions between humans and machines.
Below are some of the pavilions featured at the Expo.
The Japan Pavilion
The Japan Pavilion, themed “Between Lives,” explores the interconnected cycles of life, nature, and sustainability. Designed by Nikken Sekkei Ltd, the pavilion features a circular timber structure made from reusable Japanese cedar, emphasizing eco-friendly architecture.
The Japan Pavilion comprises three distinct areas: the ‘Factory Area’, the ‘Farm Area’, and the ‘Plant Area’, which demonstrate the conversion of waste into energy. The pavilion aims to inspire reflection on sustainability and harmonizing with nature for a better future.
At the Pavilion, a rugby ball-sized meteorite from Mars, discovered in Antarctica by the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition in 2000, will be exhibited. This meteorite is displayed to the public for the first time.
The Kansai Pavilion
Nine prefectures – Shiga, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Wakayama, Tottori, Tokushima, Fukui and Mie – will be represented in the Kansai Pavilion under the theme ‘Life Shining Kansai’s Eternal History and Present’.
The exterior of the building, designed to resemble a lantern with a hexagonal shape and a white membrane, will be decorated with paper cutouts symbolising the various regions of the Kansai region. Inside, the participating prefectures will set up their own exhibition areas to showcase the history, culture, sights and other diverse attractions of the Kansai region.
The Osaka Healthcare Pavilion
A collaborative exhibition by Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City. Under the theme “REBORN,” the pavilion offers visitors an immersive experience into the future of health and well-being, emphasizing the possibilities that lie ahead for both individuals and society. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnSaytMO7ME&list=TLGGpnYn4Hv9A84zMTAzMjAyNQ [Osaka Healthcare Pavilion ; Nest for Reborn Promotion Movie]
Major exhibitions:
- Gate to the Future: Upon entry, visitors receive a Personal Health Record (PHR) at a sensing spot. This data is used to create an avatar representing their “Future Self” in 2050, offering a personalized glimpse into potential future health scenarios. *Reservation required
- XD Hall: An immersive XR (Cross Reality) theatre utilizing AR glasses and advanced technologies, providing visitors with cutting-edge virtual experiences. Capcom collaborates with the pavilion and exhibits ‘Monster Hunter Bridge’ at the XD Hall. Inside the hall, visitors wear a special AR device and enjoy all-in-one experiential content with 360° theatre, immersive sound, floor vibrations. https://www.capcom-games.com/mh-bridge/en/
*Reservation required
- Future Food: Leveraging the PHR data, the pavilion provides tailored future healthcare food experiences, showcasing advancements in nutrition and personalized dietary solutions.
- Future Healthcare: A broad range of future healthcare experiences focusing on nutrition, body, and mind are available, allowing visitors to explore innovative approaches to holistic well-being.
- Future City: Visitors can engage with a conceptual future city, interacting with their “Future Self” and exploring urban innovations aimed at enhancing quality of life.
- SMEs and Startups Exhibition Zone – “Reborn Challenge”: This zone features rotating weekly exhibits from over 400 innovative Osaka SMEs and startups. Spanning 26 different themes, the exhibits showcase new technologies and services in healthcare, digital solutions, lifestyle, and manufacturing.
Restaurants
At the venue, visitors will enjoy a rich and diverse culinary experience that reflects both local flavors and international cuisines. Here’s an overview of the food options you can anticipate:
Local Osaka Specialties: As the host city, Osaka will showcase its renowned street foods, such as Takoyaki, popular octopus-filled dough balls and Kushikatsu, skewered and deep-fried delicacies, ranging from meats to vegetables.
The Expo will feature a variety of international cuisines. At the National Pavilions, each participating country will present its traditional dishes, allowing visitors to embark on a global culinary journey without leaving the Expo grounds.
Grand Food Court will serve cuisine from five different countries, prepared by authentic chefs. The dining experience will be enhanced with live music performed by Bangladeshi musicians playing the Bashi, a traditional wooden flute. A rickshaw imported from Bangladesh will also be on display for photo opportunities.
Catering to diverse dietary needs, the Expo will also offer a wide variety of halal and vegan menu items. It aims to break down food barriers, offering both healthy and delicious options to visitors.
Access
Expo 2025 Osaka takes place on Yumeshima Island, a man-made island in Osaka Bay. To reach the Expo venue from Tokyo, you have several transportation options:
By train
From Tokyo station: Take Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka Station. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours on the Nozomi train.
From Shin-Osaka Station to Yumeshima Island: Take the Midosuji Line from Shin-Osaka Station to Hommachi Station. Transfer to the Chuo Line and proceed to Yumeshima Station, which is being constructed specifically for Expo 2025.
Ticket
Various types of tickets are available, including Super Early Bird / Early Bird discount, One-Day Tickets or Multiple Entry Pass.
Please refer to the link below for the price list.
https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/tickets-index/price
Collaboration with Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
USJ is collaborating with the Expo 2025 Osaka and is offering visitors combined experiences and special promotions.
Ticket Discounts:
Starting February 13, 2025, individuals purchasing tickets to USJ through its official website will receive a 10% discount on Expo 2025 admission tickets. After purchasing a USJ ticket, customers will receive a password in their confirmation email, which can be used on a designated website to obtain discounted Expo tickets.
Proximity and Accessibility:
Expo 2025 will be held on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay, located near USJ and the Tempozan/Osaka Aquarium area. The close proximity of these attractions allows visitors to conveniently explore both the Expo and USJ during their stay in Osaka.