The Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, is coming soon!

The Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan (2025 Japan International Exposition)¹ will be held 184 days from April 13th to October 13th, 2025, on the man-made island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay.
This will be the second time Osaka has hosted an Expo since the Japan World Exposition 1970.

What is an Expo?

World Expositions (World Fairs)² are international events where countries and regions from around the world showcase their latest technologies and cultures and share their visions for the future. Starting with the Great Exhibition in London in 1851, many countries have hosted World Expositions to date. World Expositions have played an essential role in introducing the world to innovations in various fields, including architecture, science, art, and the environment.
The Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, with the theme of “Designing a Future Society in Which Life Shines,” will bring together ideas and technologies for building a sustainable future. It is expected to attract many visitors worldwide and provide opportunities for discoveries and exchanges.

What is Osaka-Kansai, the site of the Expo, like?

The Osaka-Kansai region is Japan’s second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo and is one of the country’s cultural and economic centers.
Osaka, in particular, played an essential role in supporting the distribution and economy of the whole country as the “Kitchen of the Nation” during the Edo period(1603-1868). It continues to develop as a commercial and business hub even today. Furthermore, it is a city where you can enjoy delicious food such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and it is packed with various attractions such as the lively Dotonbori, the historic Osaka Castle, and the bustling shopping streets.
In addition, the Kansai area is dotted with cities with rich history and tradition. Kyoto is known as Japan’s ancient capital, and it is home to temples and shrines that are over a thousand years old, as well as beautiful gardens. Nara is home to Todaiji Temple, famous for its giant Buddha statue, and Nara Park, where deer roam freely. At the same time, Kobe is a popular tourist destination for its exotic port-town atmosphere.

Highlights of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan,

Various entities, including countries and regions worldwide, international organizations, and companies, will set up pavilions at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
At each pavilion, visitors can experience the latest technology, visions of future society, and the cultures and attractions of various countries. In addition, many events and workshops are scheduled.
The Expo’s symbol, the large wooden “Ring” roof, is one of the world’s most significant wooden structures. From the top of the Ring, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Osaka Bay, and events will also be held there.
There are also other highlights, such as the following

• Cutting-edge technology exhibition: Experience the latest technologies, such as AI, robotics, and biotechnology, that will shape our lives in the future.
• Global cultural exchange: Over 150 countries and companies participate, so you can experience cultures and lifestyles worldwide.
• Proposals for a sustainable future: We will gather ideas for a sustainable society, including environmental issues, health, and energy.

When you come to Japan to see the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, we would also like you to visit Kyoto

Also, it is only 15 minutes by bullet train or 30 to 40 minutes by train from Osaka, the Expo venue, to Kyoto. If you visit Japan, why not experience the beautiful cityscape and traditional culture of Kyoto and the Expo?
Kyoto is home to many World Heritage sites, such as Kinkakuji³ and Kiyomizudera⁴, and its atmospheric machiya townhouses and tranquil gardens are sure to soothe the soul. Arashiyama⁵, where you can enjoy the changing scenery of the four seasons, and Gion⁶, where you can see traditional townscapes, are also must-see spots.
Furthermore, Kyoto is home to many excellent universities, where cutting-edge research is being actively conducted, as well as traditional culture. Kyoto University⁷ and other prestigious universities are located here, and world-class research is being undertaken in AI, biotechnology, and environmental science.
In addition, Kyoto is home to companies active on the world stage in cutting-edge technology, including the semiconductor industry. Global companies such as Murata Manufacturing⁸, Rohm⁹, and Omron¹⁰ are creating cutting-edge technology. These factors make Kyoto an even more attractive “city where tradition and innovation come together.”

The appeal of Kyoto’s Kogei art that you should experience when you come to Kyoto

Over its long history, Kyoto has nurtured many traditional crafts. The kogei art that encapsulates the Japanese aesthetic is still being passed down by artisans today and is evolving to be compatible with modern lifestyles.
Representative Kyoto Kogei Art

• Kiyomizu ware: Delicate and beautiful ceramics
• Kyo Lacquerware: Elegant Lacquerware
• Kyo yuzen: Traditional dyed textiles with vivid, colorful hand-painted or stencil dyeing techniques
• Kyoto dolls: Traditional Japanese dolls made using exquisite techniques
• Kirikane (gold leaf): A craft technique that involves cutting gold leaf into fine pieces and applying them to create delicate patterns

Kogei Art KYOTO sells artworks using these traditional techniques to overseas customers. After visiting the World Expo, please come to Kyoto and experience the charm of the Kogei, which is alive with the skills of the artisans.

References

1. The Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan – Official Website ↩︎
2. World’s fairs – Wikipedia ↩︎
3. Kinkakuji – Shokoku-ji Website ↩︎
4. Kiyomizudera – Website ↩︎
5. Arashiyama – Wikipedia ↩︎
6. Gion – Wikipedia ↩︎
7. Kyoto University – Website ↩︎
8. Murata Manufacturing – Website ↩︎
9. Rohm – Website ↩︎
10. Omron – Website ↩︎