The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition has officially unveiled its comprehensive plan for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, which is set to run from April 13 to October 13, 2025, at Yumeshima Island, Osaka. The event will take place under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” and is expected to draw over 28 million visitors from across the globe.
According to Arai Yohei, Deputy Director of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, the event will see participation from more than 161 countries and nine international organizations. During a visit to Expo City Dubai, he emphasized that the UAE is an integral partner for Japan, highlighting strong bilateral ties and the influence of the successful Expo 2020 Dubai.
The theme for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai will focus on major global challenges, supported by the sub-themes “Saving Lives,” “Empowering Lives,” and “Connecting Lives.” Arai Yohei noted, “The UAE’s contributions in sustainability and development reflect shared values that align with the Expo’s vision.”
The UAE pavilion, situated in the “Empowering Lives Zone” near the Japanese pavilion, will be among the largest international pavilions, showcasing Emirati heritage and the nation’s advancements in space exploration, sustainable technology, and innovation. This unique structure will incorporate local materials such as palm fronds and will blend Japanese expertise in wood construction.
A focal point of the Expo will be the Grand Ring—a massive wooden structure using 27,000 cubic meters of wood, standing 20 meters tall with a circumference of two kilometers. The Grand Ring will serve as the symbol of Expo 2025 and a testament to Japan’s dedication to environmentally sustainable design.
In addition, Arai commended the UAE’s commitment to research and development and praised the welcoming of the Expo 2025 mascot, Miyako Miyako, to Al Wasl Plaza in Dubai. The event underscored the cooperation between Expo City Dubai and Osaka, symbolized by the presentation of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) flag by Dubai’s mascots Rashid, Latifa, and Opti.
The Expo will mark the first time in history that such an event is hosted on Osaka’s Yumeshima Island, which will feature new infrastructure, including a metro station, tourist attractions, and hotels, using advanced smart transportation systems set to be revealed soon.
