The Osaka-Kansai Expo, to be held in 2025, is just around the corner. This will be the first international exposition to be held in Japan in 20 years, since the Aichi Expo in 2005, and many people have high expectations for the event.
It will also be the first time in 55 years, since 1970, that an Expo will be held in Osaka. From a global perspective, the Expo is an event that attracts the attention of many countries as a place where countries showcase their cutting-edge technologies and present their visions of future society.
In this article, Basic information about the Osaka Expo, how to enjoy it, and comparisons with the 1970 Osaka Expo and other world expositions in other countries. and comparisons with the 1970 Osaka Expo and other world expositions in other countries!
Contents
What is the Osaka Expo? Check the basic information!
Outline of the Expo
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Name: Japan International Exposition, Osaka-Kansai, 2025
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Dates: April 13 (Sunday) – October 13 (Monday), 2025 [184 days].
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Venue: Yumeshima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
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Theme: “Designing a Future Society where Life Shines Brightly
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Number of participating countries: 150 countries and 25 international organizations (planned)
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Estimated number of visitors: approx. 28 million
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Admission: Adults: 7,500 yen, Children: 2,000 to 4,500 yen (tentative)
This year’s Osaka Expo has a strong element of being a “testing ground for the future” with an emphasis on cutting-edge technology and sustainability, and the entire venue will be a space where visitors can experience next-generation lifestyles.
2. comparison of past Expos and Osaka Expo
Expos have a long history, and each host country has had different themes and characteristics. In this issue, we will compare the 1970 Osaka Expo, the Aichi Expo, and recent overseas Expos, which are particularly important.
(1) Differences from the 1970 Osaka Expo
The 1970 Osaka Expo (Japan World Exposition) was Japan’s first international exposition.
The main features of the 1970 Osaka Expo were
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Theme: “Progress and Harmony of Mankind
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Number of participating countries: 77 (about half of the 2025 Expo)
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Number of visitors: Approximately 64 million (the largest number in Japan’s history)
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Venue area: 3.3 square kilometers (larger than 2025)
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Symbol: “Tower of the Sun” by Taro Okamoto
This Expo was a symbolic event for Japan during its period of rapid economic growth, and served as a venue for Japan to showcase its technological prowess and culture to the world.
The pavilions of the time were filled with the latest technology that amazed people, such as the “Moonstone” (U.S. Pavilion) and the “Moving Walkway”. The pavilions at that time were filled with the latest technology that amazed people, such as the “Moon Stone” (U.S. Pavilion) and the “Moving Sidewalks.
Comparison with the 2025 Osaka Expo
| Item | 1970 Osaka Expo | Osaka Expo 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Theme | Progress and Harmony of Mankind | Designing a future society where life shines brightly |
| Number of participating countries | 77 countries | Approx. 150 countries |
| Estimated number of visitors | 64 million | 28 million visitors |
| Major Exhibits | Moonstone, Moving Walkway | Flying cars, future medical experience |
| Symbols | Tower of the Sun | Ring-shaped roof “O-yane Ring |
In today’s world of increasing speed of technological innovation, it is clear that the vision of the future presented by the 2025 Osaka Expo is becoming even more diverse.
(2) Comparison with recent overseas Expos
Shanghai Expo 2010
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Theme: “Better City, Better Life
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Largest number of visitors (approx. 73 million)
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Urban development and smart cities are the main focus
→ The 2025 Osaka Expo is expected to have more exhibits on the themes of “human life” and “life” in addition to urban development.
Expo 2020 Dubai (to be held in 2021)
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Theme: “Connecting Hearts and Minds, Creating the Future
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Immersive pavilions that make full use of digital technology
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Urban design with less environmental impact
→ More advanced digital experiences and sustainable technologies are expected to be introduced at the Osaka Expo. 3.
How to enjoy the Osaka Expo
(1) Experience the future society
A “testing ground for the future society” where visitors can actually experience the latest technologies.
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Customer service and guidance services by AI and robots
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Fully automated transportation
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Telemedicine and virtual medical examinations
(ii) Touring each country’s pavilion
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With over 150 participating countries, visitors can experience cultures from all over the world at one time!
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(2) Virtual Expo” utilizing VR and Metaverse technologies will also be developed.
3) Osaka Gourmet & Expo Exclusive Food
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Gourmet area where visitors can enjoy cuisine from around the world
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Future food such as “entomophagy” and “cultured meat” will be available?
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Osaka’s famous takoyaki and okonomiyaki will also be available. 4!
Access and congestion measures for Expo 2025 Osaka
Access
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Yumeshima Station on Osaka Metro Chuo Line scheduled to open
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Access by shuttle buses and boats is also being considered
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Flying cars, a futuristic mobility vehicle, will be introduced on an experimental basis
Measures against congestion
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Introduce advance reservation system to reduce congestion
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Reduce waiting time with digital passes
Summary: The Osaka Expo is a special place where visitors can experience the society of the future!
The Osaka Expo is an international event where visitors can experience the latest technology and visions of a future society.
Compared to the 1970 Osaka Expo, the evolution of technology and themes are clearly different, and the perspective has shifted from “human progress” to “life and the future.
The year 2025 is a great opportunity for Japan to once again show the world what the future can hold.
Let’s plan in advance and enjoy the society of the future to the fullest!
