55 years after Japan first hosted the global event
Japan is preparing to open its doors for Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, officially launching on April 13, 2025, at Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay. The highly anticipated World Expo will begin with a grand opening ceremony at 2 pm JST on April 12, streamed live across Japan and worldwide online.
This year’s Expo marks a pivotal moment in international cooperation and innovation. With over 160 participating countries and international organisations, the event aims to ignite global dialogue around building a better future for all.
Expo 2025 comes 55 years after Japan first hosted the global event.
Japan’s Imperial Family, alongside Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the governing body of World Expos, will lead the inauguration. Dignitaries and delegates from across the globe are expected to attend, symbolising unity and a shared vision for progress.
“Fifty-five years ago, Expo 1970 Osaka showcased a world in transformation, where new technologies redefined societies and connected lives. Now, countries are convening once again in Osaka to share their perspectives and engage in meaningful dialogue to shape a better future for all,” said Kerkentzes, reflecting on the legacy and future of the global event.
6-month global celebration
The Expo site will officially open its gates to the public at 9 am JST on April 13, welcoming visitors for a 184-day journey of discovery, cultural exchange, and innovation. Running daily from 9 am to 10 pm, Expo 2025 offers immersive experiences, futuristic exhibits, global cuisine, and spectacular live performances that reflect the diversity and creativity of the world.
Held under the forward-looking theme, ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives,’ Expo 2025 explores transformative solutions to some of humanity’s most urgent challenges. The Expo will serve as a living laboratory for new ideas and cross-border collaboration, from healthcare and sustainability to education and digital innovation.
Yumeshima Island
Spanning 155 hectares on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, the Expo site is structured around the visually stunning Grand Ring, now the largest wooden structure in the world at two kilometres in circumference. Inside this massive architectural feat lie the international pavilions, divided into three themed districts: Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives.
Each pavilion offers a unique, immersive journey into its country’s culture, achievements, and vision. From virtual reality experiences to AI-powered exhibitions, the Expo showcases how emerging technologies can shape more inclusive and resilient societies.
A global platform
World Expos, formally recognised as International Registered Exhibitions, are among the most significant international events that tackle shared global issues. Much more than exhibitions, they are platforms for cross-cultural dialogue, policy discussions, and technological showcases.
Expo 2025 continues this tradition, offering a stage for innovation and a catalyst for international cooperation. With themes focused on health, sustainability, and connectivity, the event aims to inspire governments, businesses, and civil society to reimagine the systems that shape our daily lives.
Legacy of world-class events
Japan has a history of hosting international expositions. Its first foray into the global stage was Expo 1970 Osaka, which marked Asia’s first-ever World Expo and drew over 64 million visitors, making it the most attended Expo of the 20th century. This was followed by the Specialised Expo 1975 in Okinawa, Specialised Expo 1985 in Tsukuba, the 1990 Horticultural Expo in Osaka, and the World Expo 2005 in Aichi.
The nation will continue this legacy with the 2027 Yokohama Horticultural Expo, themed ‘Scenery of the Future for Happiness’, reinforcing Japan’s commitment to sustainable living and environmental stewardship.
From Dubai to Osaka – and onward to Riyadh
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai follows the success of Expo 2020 Dubai, held under the theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’. Despite being postponed due to the global pandemic, the Dubai edition attracted more than 24 million visits, reaffirming the enduring appeal of World Expos as engines of inspiration and transformation.
Looking ahead, the next chapter will unfold in the Middle East once again. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will host World Expo 2030, from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, under the theme ‘Foresight for Tomorrow’. The baton of innovation continues to pass from one global city to another, each building on the momentum of its predecessor.
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai in numbers
- Event duration: April 13 – October 13, 2025 (184 days)
- Opening hours: 9 am – 10 pm daily
- Location: Yumeshima Island, Osaka Bay
- Size: 155 hectares
- Main structure: Grand Ring (2 km wooden structure)
- Participants: Over 160 countries and organisations
- Estimated visitors: Tens of millions
What to expect as a visitor
Visitors to Expo 2025 can expect a sensory-rich experience that blends cutting-edge innovation, cultural immersion, and interactive learning. Highlights include:
- Innovative national pavilions, many of which use AI, AR/VR, and sustainable design.
- Live performances, from traditional dance to futuristic multimedia shows.
- Thematic talks and panels led by thought leaders, scientists, and entrepreneurs.
- Global cuisine reflecting the unique flavours and traditions of participating nations.
- Sustainability initiatives are woven throughout the site, showcasing Japan’s commitment to green living.
Hero image: Credit: Expo 2025 site on Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay. Credit: Expo 2025.
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