With less than six months remaining until the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, the construction of pavilions on Yumeshima, Osaka’s man-made island designated for the event, is progressing rapidly. Despite some delays in the construction of international pavilions, the 2-kilometer ring canopy “the Grand Roof”– a symbolic structure of the Expo – was completed in August, while domestic corporate pavilions continue to make steady progress. Foundational work, including paving and landscaping, has intensified, setting the stage for the final half-year push. On October 11th, the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition opened the site to the media.

The Expo, themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025, covering an area of approximately 155 hectares. Thirteen Japanese corporations and organizations, along with 161 countries, are set to participate. Construction for domestic pavilions is on schedule, with many corporations unveiling exhibit concepts in preparation for the opening. Notably, the Mitsubishi Pavilion became the first private-sector pavilion to complete its handover.

The international pavilions are categorized into four distinct structures, with 47 countries opting for the “Type A” model, which allows for independently constructed pavilions. Although initially about 60 countries expressed interest in Type A, a roughly 20% reduction occurred due to rising construction material costs.

Expo-related facilities overseen by the organizing committee have entered the final stages, with the wooden framework of the ring canopy now completed, alongside paving, landscaping, and escalator installations. The Grand Roof, standing 12-20 meters high and spanning an external diameter of 675 meters, is set to become one of the world’s largest wooden structures.

On the west side of the site, pavilions themed around “Future Cities” are rising, designed to showcase futuristic building materials and construction technologies. The site also features the “EXPO Arena,” a venue capable of holding up to 16,000 attendees.

Access to the Expo site will be facilitated by the Osaka Metro Chuo Line’s “Yumeshima Station,” scheduled to open on January 19, 2025. Station construction is nearing its final phase.

Finishing touches on the pavilions, including structural frames, interiors, displays, and facility installations, are now underway at the venue, along with exterior and lighting installations. The Expo is entering its critical construction phase in the lead-up to its grand opening. (2024/10/15)