Opening its doors to the public in April 2025, Expo 2025 Osaka is set to be a global stage for innovation, culture, and creativity. With anticipation mounting, nations are gearing up to present their best at this extraordinary event. From cutting-edge design to immersive experiences, country pavilions promise to inspire, amaze, and leave a lasting impression on the millions of visitors expected to attend
Expo 2025 Osaka serves as a collaborative platform, addressing pressing global challenges through the lenses of sustainability, technology, and cultural exchange.
Running for 184 days, from 13 April to 13 October, the Expo will take place at Yumeshima in Osaka, Japan. Under the overarching theme Designing Future Society for Our Lives, the event is organised around three subthemes: Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives.
At its core, Expo 2025 Osaka embodies the concept of a “People’s Living Lab,” a laboratory for co-creating the future. According to organisers, the Expo aims to bring together global knowledge and innovation, fostering collaboration to generate ideas that can address critical global issues. One of the event’s standout features will be the Water Plaza, a massive stage on the water measuring 200 by 60 metres. It will feature a central water cascade forming a screen, complemented by 300 fountains, synchronised lighting, lasers, and music for a spectacular show.
This visionary project involves a team of creative talents, including Naoki Tanaka, known for directing the vibrant projection mapping at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Opening Ceremony, and renowned composer Yoko Kanno, alongside ECA2, a leader in multimedia show production.
Throughout the Expo, attendees will enjoy diverse cultural performances, exhibitions, and interactive experiences, showcasing the heritage and diversity of more than 150 participating nations. The country pavilions remain a highlight of any Expo, offering a unique insight into national identities, priorities, and visions for the future.
JAPAN
The host nation’s pavilion, Between Lives, explores life cycles and transformation. Designed by Nikken Sekkei, the pavilion uses cross-laminated timber (CLT) from Japanese cedar, which will be repurposed post-Expo. It also features a biogas system for waste-to-energy conversion and highlights Japanese philosophy, innovation, and harmony with nature.
AUSTRIA
The Austria Pavilion, Austria: Composing the Future, uses music as a metaphor for harmony between humanity, nature, and technology. Designed by BWM Architects, its standout feature is a spiral sculpture resembling a musical staff, constructed primarily from sustainable materials like wood. The pavilion celebrates Austria’s musical heritage while promoting eco-conscious construction practices.
CHINA
China’s pavilion, themed Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature — Future Society of Green Development, features a design inspired by ancient Chinese bamboo slips, symbolising the transmission of knowledge and culture. Spanning 3,500 square metres, it is one of the largest independently constructed pavilions at the Expo.
CZECHIA
Czechia’s Talent and Creativity for Life pavilion features a spiral structure designed by Apropos Architects, symbolising vitality and upward momentum. Its barrier-free ramp surrounds a multifunctional auditorium, while its artistic glass façade reflects Czech craftsmanship and glassmaking traditions.
GERMANY
Germany’s WA! Germany pavilion focuses on the circular economy. Designed with reusable materials and minimal irreversible connections, it embodies themes of sustainability, harmony, and wonder. The term “WA” in Japanese conveys “circle,” “harmony,” and “wow,” reflecting the pavilion’s holistic approach.
FRANCE
The France Pavilion, Theatrum Naturae (Theatre of Nature), combines architecture by Coldefy and CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati. Highlighting the interplay between natural and artificial worlds, it incorporates the Japanese concept of the “red thread” (Akai Ito), symbolising unbreakable connections. The pavilion encourages environmental and social commitment.
NORDIC COUNTRIES
Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden present the Nordic Circle pavilion, showcasing their shared values of sustainability and innovation. This collaborative effort focuses on connectedness, trust, and technological solutions for global challenges.
SERBIA
Serbia’s Floating Forest pavilion draws inspiration from Ratno Ostrvo, a natural park in Belgrade. Representing the “Society 5.0” vision, the pavilion combines architecture, technology, and playfulness. Designed by Aleatek Studio, it emphasises Serbia’s cultural and natural heritage while nodding to the upcoming Expo 2027 in Belgrade under the theme Play for Humanity.
SWITZERLAND
Switzerland’s pavilion, themed Life, Planet, and Augmented Human, is designed by Manuel Herz Architects. Its lightweight, recyclable structure features a cluster of spheres surrounded by plants, symbolising the harmony of nature and innovation.
USA
The USA Pavilion, Imagine What We Can Create Together, features an open design inspired by Japanese footbridges. At its heart is a floating cube, showcasing dynamic images of American landscapes, cities, and space exploration. Themes include sustainability, education, and entrepreneurship. SERBIA Serbia’s Floating Forest pavilion draws inspiration from Ratno Ostrvo, a natural park in Belgrade. Representing the “Society 5.0” vision, the pavilion combines architecture, technology, and playfulness. Designed by Aleatek Studio, it emphasises Serbia’s cultural and natural heritage while nodding to the upcoming Expo 2027 in Belgrade under the theme Play for Humanity.
Expo 2025 Osaka promises to be a vibrant showcase of global creativity and innovation. With its forward-thinking pavilions, cultural displays, and interactive experiences, the Expo offers a glimpse into a sustainable and interconnected future.
