The 2025 World Expo in Osaka
The World Expo is returning to Osaka!
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.
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.
1970 World's Fair pavilion in Memorial Park
wikimedia
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 April 13th to October 13th, 2025, offering a great chance to explore the largest city in Kansai and providing another reason to explore the neighbor city of Kyoto!
The best time to visit
Choosing the best time to visit Expo 2025 in Osaka can greatly enhance your experience, maximizing enjoyment while minimizing the inconvenience of crowds and weather.
- April - June: Cherry blossom season and temperate climate
Spring in Osaka is known for its mild temperatures, generally between 15°C and 25°C, offering optimal comfort for exploring the vast exhibition grounds. Visiting in April allows you to witness the cherry blossoms, a phenomenon emblematic of Japan. See sakura trees in bloom in the exhibition's green spaces.
- July - August: Special events and summer vacations
Summer in Osaka is hot and humid, with temperatures often around 30°C or more, which can make long days outside a real strain. However, these months also see the staging of many special events, such as concerts, festivals and fireworks displays. These can offer unique and memorable experiences.
- September - October: pleasant weather and a festive close
Autumn offers cooler temperatures, generally between 20°C and 25°C, ideal for exploring the exhibition in comfort. September and October also mark the closing phase of the exhibition, often accompanied by special events, celebrations and awards ceremonies.
Attendance tends to drop off slightly after the start of the school year in September, offering a quieter time to visit before the end of the Expo in October.
Practical advice :
- Avoid public holidays: Japanese public holidays such as Golden Week (late April-early May) can lead to massive crowds. If possible, plan your visit outside these periods for a smoother experience.
- Book in advance: Book tickets and accommodation in advance to benefit from reduced rates and guarantee availability, especially during peak periods.
- Off-peak hours: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid rush hour and enjoy a quieter experience.
A unique exhibition
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. The Osaka 2025 exhibition is distinguished by several aspects:
- Cutting-edge technology: The exhibition will showcase groundbreaking innovations in robotics, AI, health and the environment.
- Design and Architecture: The pavilions will be designed with futuristic architecture, using sustainable materials and environmentally-friendly technologies.
- Sustainable Commitment: The event is committed to minimizing its ecological footprint with initiatives to reduce waste, save energy, and promote green transport.
- Global Interaction: Fostering collaboration and cultural exchange, the exhibition will bring together ideas and solutions from around the world to tackle global challenges.
- Innovative Place: Yumeshima represents an impressive urban and technological development, serving as a model for future smart cities.
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. 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 tens of millions of people.
The tower during the exhibition in 1970
japaninfo.com
