The expo, which will be held on Yumeshima, is currently still in development. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/AHMAD FAIZAL YAHYA
With one year to go, preparations for the 2025 World Expo in Osaka
are in full swing. Set to run from 13 April to 13 October, the event is
expected to draw 28 million visitors, including 3.8 million from
overseas. To date, 123 countries have confirmed their participation,
with 47 opting to construct their own pavilions.
Indigenous renewable materials will be used in the pavilion’s construction, with a “second life” planned for the structure and exhibitions back in the Philippines after the World Expo ends. Photo Credit: Department of Tourism PhilippinesPavilions designs unveiled
Countries are starting to reveal their pavilion designs, each showcasing unique cultural elements and innovative concepts:
- The Philippines' "Woven" pavilion will feature 212 handwoven
textiles, reflecting the country's rich heritage. It will also include
an interactive live performance facade, a World Expo first for the
Philippines.
- Singapore's "The Dream Sphere" aims to inspire visitors with its showcase of the city-state's food, culture, and innovations.
- Australia's pavilion celebrates the eucalyptus blossom under the theme "Chasing the Sun".
- China's design draws inspiration from bamboo slips and traditional calligraphy scrolls, emphasizing green development.
Named “The Dream Sphere”, the pavilion will showcase interactive multimedia and art installations featuring Singapore artists, displaying the collective spirit of Singaporeans. Photo Credit: Singapore Tourism Board"Dream Island" venue
The expo will be held on Yumeshima, a purpose-built island offering
views of the Seto Inland Sea. The 1.55 km2 venue will feature a central
pavilion area, surrounded by water and greenery. Post-expo, Yumeshima is
slated to become Japan's first casino-centered integrated resort.
Unique mascot: Myaku-Myaku
The official mascot, Myaku-Myaku, is a fluid, cell-like entity
inspired by the expo's logo and water - Osaka's symbol. Its name means
"something passed down from generation to generation", and its fluid
design allows for endless shape variations.
Inspired by human DNA, cells and water, Myaku-Myaku has joined the ranks of World Expo mascots past and future. Photo Credit: World Expo 2025The expo mascot (which has been described as having special skills
such as “transforming into various shapes and finding a rainbow after
the rain”) has already visited several countries to promote World Expo
2025. Its next pitstops will be in Singapore during NATAS Holidays 2024
and Bangkok for NIPPON HAKU BANGKOK 2024.