The 2025 World Expo in Osaka
The Tower of the Sun, a monumental sculpture by Japanese artist Taro Okamoto.
DR
The 1970 World Expo was also held in Osaka
Takato Marui
The tower during the exhibition in 1970
japaninfo.com
The return...
On Friday, November 23, 2018, the member states of the Bureau International des Expositions designated the city of Osaka to host the World Expo in 2025. This will make it the second time that the gastronomic capital of Japan has organized the event.
A Historic Event
World Exhibitions have been held since the middle of the 19th century, since the first was organized in London in 1851. For almost a century, the exhibition was an opportunity for the host country to share their latest industrial innovations. Then, from the Second World War to the late 1980s, it was an opportunity for cultural exchange between the different participating countries. Today, its role is to attract the attention of the world, raise awareness of various topics, and enhance the host countries image worldwide.
The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), or the International Bureau of Expositions in English, is composed of 170 countries that oversee the various exhibitions and choose the host countries. Since the beginning of the 21st century, World Expos have been held every 5 years. This isn't the first time that Osaka has been nominated for this major event, since the city already organized the 1970 World Fair. What with the Rugby World Cup™ in 2019 and the Olympic Games in 2020 (though taking place in 2021 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic), this is a new opportunity for Japan to highlight its tourist attractions and show its ability to receive an impressive number of visitors, since generally the event is attended by several tens of millions of people.
The tower during the exhibition in 1970
japaninfo.com
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Exhibition dates and location
The Osaka World Expo is scheduled to run for 6 months, from April 13 to October 13, 2025. This global event offers a unique opportunity for millions of visitors from all four corners of the globe to immerse themselves. These exhibitions are renowned for their long duration, allowing for massive and diversified participation.
In fact, some 28 million visitors are expected to attend this year's event, drawn by the promise of an experience rich in discovery and cultural exchange.
The site chosen for the Osaka World Expo is the man-made island of Yumeshima, located on the shores of Osaka Bay. Offering picturesque panoramic views, this island is the ideal setting for an event of this scale. The exhibition site covers an impressive 1.55 square km.
To envelop this space dedicated to innovation and discovery, a circular wooden structure, drawing its inspiration from Japanese architectural traditions, will surround the site. This design reflects the harmony between the modernity of the event and respect for Japan's cultural roots.
Pavilion of the 1970 World Expo at the Memorial Park
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Coming in 2025...
The theme for the 2025 edition in Osaka is "Designing the society of the future and imagining our life of tomorrow". The secretary general of the Bureau went on record saying: "The 2025 World Expo project in Osaka, based on the co-creation of a future society to respond to global challenges, responds to the concerns of the international community. After the unforgettable success of the World Expo in 1970, we are delighted to see a World Expo take shape and life in Osaka again."
The expo will take place from May 3 to November 3, 2025, offering a great chance to explore the largest city in Kansai and providing another reason to explore the neighbor city of Kyoto!
Why come out for the World Expo 2025?
The Osaka World Expo 2025 is much more than just an event. It's a rare opportunity to explore a multitude of unique cultural, artistic, and technological events while discovering the vibrant city of Osaka and interacting with cultures from around the world.
This immersive experience offers travelers the chance to take part in special activities, discover exciting innovations, and soak up the dynamic atmosphere of the event. This ambitious theme invites participants to consider the transformations needed to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.
By incorporating the exhibition into your travel itineraries, you can enrich your stay in Japan by creating unforgettable memories and a truly global experience.
