Expo Osaka 2025

World Expositions, since their inception in 1851 in London, United Kingdom, have served as global stages for celebrating innovation, progress, and cultural diversity. Expo Osaka 2025 is currently taking place in Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay, Japan—one of the world’s largest economies and one of the most demanding and sophisticated markets globally.

Under the overarching theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” this event is a true reflection of our times.

My recent visit to this exposition offered a deep immersion into future concepts, particularly regarding the role of architecture in their realization—a perspective and experience I find valuable to share.

The very location of the Expo, set in a reclaimed area on the artificial island of Yumeshima and seamlessly connected to the city of Osaka from an urban planning standpoint, already hints at a future vision of reinvented spaces adapted to contemporary needs.

Having the opportunity to explore the exhibition felt like embarking on a journey through potential future scenarios—brought to life in the pavilions, their content, and the infrastructures that compose this global microcosm.

The central theme of the Expo invites reflection on our future existence and on how we can maximize its potential, aligning intrinsically with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda (a set of 17 interconnected global goals established by the United Nations for sustainable development). Expo Osaka 2025 is not limited to contemplation; it aims to be a driver of action, demonstrating how we can actively build a desirable society.

The concept of Expo Osaka also aims to present a realistic image of society, not only through thought but through action. To deepen the discussion around “life” as the central element of the Expo’s theme, three subthemes were established:

• Saving Lives: focused on protecting life through public health improvements, disease prevention measures, disaster preparedness, and harmonious coexistence with nature;
• Empowering Lives: centered on enriching individual lives and expanding human potential through education, the adoption of healthy lifestyles, and the enhancement of human capacity via artificial intelligence and robotics;
• Connecting Lives: emphasizes human engagement, community building, and societal enrichment, covering topics such as the power of partnership and co-creation, advanced communications, and data-driven societies.


For me, as an architect, Expo Osaka 2025 goes beyond mere curiosity; it represents a vital opportunity for professional development and creative inspiration. Several aspects of the exhibition underscore its relevance to our field:

• Exploration of Future Themes: The central theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” is inherently connected to the future of design and architecture. The exhibition provides meaningful insights into how architecture can respond to global challenges such as social well-being, sustainability, health, and technology;
• Innovation in Design and Materials: World Expositions have always been relevant platforms for showcasing new technologies, construction materials (with a strong emphasis here on the use of wood), and innovative design approaches, offering the chance to experience the latest architectural solutions firsthand;
• National and Thematic Pavilions: Themed and national pavilions (with 161 countries participating) serve as showcases of diverse cultures, design philosophies, and innovation hubs. Analyzing the architecture and design of each space acts as a catalyst to inspire new ideas and approaches for future projects;
• Urbanism and Planning: The organization of the Expo Osaka site and how the pavilions interact offer valuable insights into urban planning and the creation of meaningful public spaces. The “Grand Ring,” an urban ring that surrounds and interconnects the Expo pavilions—and the world’s largest wooden structure—is a remarkable example of the importance of public space;
• International Networking: A global exposition such as Expo Osaka, bringing together professionals from various disciplines—particularly architects, designers, engineers, and others—is a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and potentially form new partnerships
Expo Osaka 2025 provides a window into the future of architecture, revealing trends likely to be shaped by technological advancements, growing environmental concerns, and ongoing social transformations. Observing these trends on a global scale is essential for shaping architectural practice in the coming years.

The urgency of environmental issues is undeniable, and many pavilions and exhibitions at the Expo highlight sustainable design solutions, the use of eco-friendly materials, and construction methodologies that minimize environmental impact. Familiarity with and learning from these approaches is imperative for the evolution of truly sustainable and responsible architecture.

Moreover, as architecture is profoundly influenced by culture, observing how different nations interpret the Expo’s theme through their pavilions enriches our understanding of diverse approaches to design, architecture, and cultural perspectives.

The creativity and innovation on display at Expo Osaka serve as an inexhaustible source of inspiration for our professional practice. The exposition challenges us to rethink how we approach design problems and conceive new projects, encouraging a global reflection on the future of society and the crucial role that design and architecture play in its formation and development.

Architecture possesses an intrinsic power to catalyze social and environmental transformation, contributing to improved quality of life for communities and the creation of more inclusive and healthier cities. Expo Osaka 2025 reinforces this vision, demonstrating the potential of our discipline to help shape a more promising future.

In summary, Expo Osaka 2025 represents a unique opportunity for architects to broaden their horizons, stay updated on the latest innovations and trends, and draw inspiration from a global mosaic of ideas and cultures.
My visit to this event reaffirmed the importance of staying engaged in the dialogue about the future of our societies and cities, actively contributing our expertise toward building a more sustainable, creative, and inspiring tomorrow.
The Expo is not just an exhibition; it is a living laboratory of future possibilities—and for architects, an invaluable source of knowledge and vision.