Expo 2025 kicked off in Osaka, Japan, bringing together 160 countries in a massive global showcase. From a wooden mega-structure to a curious mascot, here's what makes this event unforgettable.
A multi-eyed mascot, a vast wooden Grand Ring, 160 countries and regions strutting their stuff, and robots and sushi galore: Expo 2025 began on Sunday in Osaka, Japan. The World Expo is held every five years in different global locations. Here are five things to know about this event, which runs until mid-October.
Grand Ring
Encircling dozens of national pavilions is the Grand Ring — recognized by Guinness World Records as the planet’s largest wooden architectural structure. Architect Sou Fujimoto says his edifice, which cost 34.4 billion yen ($230 million) and has a circumference of two kilometers (1.2 miles), is a symbol of unity. Latticed beams hold up a sloping roof, 20 meters (65 feet) tall at its highest point, which doubles as a "skywalk." Fujimoto told AFP that he chose wood as a sustainable material. However, Japanese media report that just 12.5 percent of the temporary structure will be reused — down from the original plan of 25 percent.
‘Mysterious’ mascot
Myaku-Myaku, Expo 2025’s mascot, is red and blue with five googly eyes dotted around its smiling mouth — and one more eye on its bobbly red tail. It is "a mysterious creature born from the fusion of cells and water," according to event organizers. "Basking in the sunlight is the source of its energy," and sometimes the shape-shifting Myaku-Myaku "forgets its original form," they say. Despite puzzled reactions when it was unveiled, the mascot has since become popular among social media users in Japan and has even inspired fan art.
Slow sales
This is Osaka’s second World Expo after the 1970 edition, which was attended by 64 million people — a record until Shanghai in 2010. At Expo 1970, the first film in IMAX format was shown and visitors admired rocks brought back from the Moon. But this time, ticket sales have been slow, and many locals are unimpressed by the construction being 27 percent over budget. Organizers aim to sell 23 million tickets in total, and as of last week, 8.7 million had been sold. To encourage attendance, same-day admission will now be possible.
Meteorites and Marley
Japan’s pavilion features a meteorite from Mars discovered in Antarctica by Japanese researchers — the first time it will be on public display. Hungry visitors can stop by Japan’s longest sushi conveyor belt before checking out cutting-edge robots, drone shows, and a beating "heart" grown from stem cells. The U.S. pavilion, themed "America the Beautiful," includes an LED-screen simulator of a NASA rocket launch. Elsewhere, visitors can help polish five heart-shaped "Love and Peace" rocks, while the Jamaica pavilion displays life-size statues of Bob Marley and Usain Bolt along with a bobsleigh.
Ukraine ‘peace’
Russia announced in 2023 — the year after it invaded Ukraine — that it would not participate in the Expo. Yet, Ukraine is present, despite its dire financial situation caused by the war — a decision that Osaka’s governor has said "conveys peace." It will reportedly display 18 objects, including helmets used in the restoration of power facilities damaged by the Russian invasion.
With AFP
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