Futuristic ideas on display at Expo in Osaka

Osaka, JAPAN – With visitors from around the world exploring innovative pavilions, cultural performances, and its sprawling site, Expo 2025 has drawn massive crowds.

A total of 158 countries and regions, along with seven international organizations are taking part in this global celebration in Osaka that runs through Oct. 13.

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Sachiko Yoshimura, Director General of Public Relations and Promotion at the Japan Association for the World Expo, shared the challenges of organizing the event.

“With only three years to prepare – shortened due to the previous Expo in Dubai being delayed by covid – this was especially tough for overseas pavilions,” she said. “Ongoing conflicts also affected transportation and construction.”

Despite the difficulties, Yoshimura feels relieved and proud of the outcome.

“We hope children reflect on life and the future. Some visitors wrote that it helped their children think about peace and the world, which makes it all worthwhile.”

Yoshimura also commented on the Expo’s red and blue mascot, Myaku-Myaku. The red represents cells, the blue water, which together symbolize Earth’s life.

“People found it strange at first, but it’s grown on them. Its popularity keeps rising.”

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The U.S. Pavilion invites visitors to explore the future through creativity rather than history. Guided by its cheerful mascot Spark and the song “Together,” guests move through themed zones – connection, innovation, travel and space – highlighting American technology and ideas.

At the “Launch” experience inside a glowing cube, immersive visuals, surround sound, and images from the James Webb Space Telescope recreate the thrill of a NASA rocket launch. This cinematic experience captures the spirit of exploration and aims to inspire visitors to dream bigger.

Despite challenges from heat and rain, staff say the pavilion has received enthusiastic feedback, especially from young visitors who found it fun and unforgettable.

At the Canada Pavilion, visitors can explore the country’s natural beauty through interactive exhibits, feeling the flow of rivers and viewing cities and landscapes in 3D.

Journalism students also play a role.

“This is a great opportunity to gain real-world experience,” said Alyssa Johnston, an intern from Carleton University.

Through on-site reporting, interns like Johnston help share the Expo’s stories with audiences in Japan and abroad.

Expo 2025 Osaka provides a platform not only to showcase technology and design, but also to foster cultural exchange and imagine a sustainable and interconnected future.

From mascots like Myaku-Myaku to immersive exhibits and live performances, the Expo encourages visitors of all ages to engage with new ideas and global perspectives, demonstrating how international collaboration can inspire the next generation.

Nanaka Takahashi is a Junior Reporter with Youth Journalism International.