Experience the World Through Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan – Part 2
The Spirit of Japan: From Pavilion to Marché
Japan Pavilion: A Look “Between Lives”
Visiting the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, helped me tap into the awareness of life’s interconnected cycles. Guided by the theme "Between Lives," the pavilion offered a profoundly immersive experience that encouraged reflection on how everything around us is constantly evolving, connecting, and transforming.
Located about a 7-minute walk from the East Gate, the pavilion immediately stood out with its striking circular structure built with cross-laminated timber (CLT), which somehow reminded me of Stonehenge, located on the Salisbury Plain in Southern England. The Stonehenge’s circular shape reflects the ancient belief in the cycle of life—circles have no beginning or end and thus symbolize eternity. How profound it is that even today, the modern architects who designed this pavilion seem to hold the same belief.
The pavilion was not only visually stunning, but knowing that the materials would be reused after the Expo added an even deeper layer of meaning, embodying sustainability in a tangible way.
Inside, the experience unfolded through three thoughtfully curated zones: "A Little Life, It Speaks" (Plant Area), "The Unseen, Connected" (Farm Area), and "Breakable, It Is Born" (Factory Area). Each zone presented different stages of various life cycles—transformations from waste to water, water to material, and materials to object—highlighting the vital role microorganisms play in sustaining these complex systems. Art, design, and storytelling were seamlessly woven into each space to explore different aspects of life’s fragile yet resilient nature.
At the entrance to each zone is an hourglass, but instead of depicting the sands of time, it shows different visuals of how life flows and accumulates, each tied to the zone’s theme.
As I transitioned from one zone to another, I found myself immersed in environments that reflected the delicate beginnings of life, the emergence of individuality, and the hidden connections that support ecosystems and societies.
One of the most moving parts was witnessing how the pavilion itself functioned as a "living" entity. Waste produced onsite was converted into biogas, which powered some parts of the pavilion.
It was inspiring to see sustainability not just preached but actively demonstrated.
Throughout the journey, the organic visual system that symbolized the work of microorganisms decomposing waste continuously animated the spaces, subtly reinforcing the pavilion's core message.
After exploring the potential of algae in the Farm Area, the next exhibit shifts focus from “material” to “object,” introducing sustainable monozukuri (craftsmanship). Guided by Doraemon, visitors learn about creating long-lasting, repairable items and the importance of passing these values on to future generations.
Leaving the Japan Pavilion, I carried with me a renewed sense of wonder at the intricate loops that connect all life forms and a deeper commitment to embracing sustainable, conscious living. It was more than an Expo visit — it was a meditation on existence itself.
JAPAN Marché: Walk Through Japan’s Delicacies
After an immersive journey through the Japan Pavilion, I made my way to the nearby JAPAN Marché, located close to the East Gate of the Expo site. This vibrant marketplace is a feast for all your senses! The smell of freshly made snacks, the sight of colorful souvenirs, and the sounds of cheerful chatter and greetings from the staff will send you reeling with excitement.
It’s the ideal spot to buy souvenirs or sample Japan’s most beloved snacks and bento. JAPAN Marché features a wide variety of shops and stalls showcasing local products, crafts, and specialty foods from across Japan.
Much like the Japan Pavilion, JAPAN Marché emphasizes sustainability and the connection between past and future. Every interaction—from savoring local foods to exploring handcrafted goods—felt like an opportunity to take home a piece of Japan’s rich cultural tapestry. It offers a complete experience: a joyful celebration of flavors, creativity, and tradition, embodying the spirit of Expo 2025.