I've never attended a World Expo before, and Osaka Expo 2025 looks like it’s going to be an incredible event. I recently learned that the sushi conveyor belt (kaitenzushi) made its debut at the 1970 Osaka Expo, which I previously wrote about in an article called The Kaitenzushi Revolution. This has made me especially curious about the food innovations and discoveries we’ll see this time around. Several articles in both Japanese and English have already highlighted what visitors can expect from the Expo’s food scene.
The origins of the World Expo trace back to the Great Exhibition of 1851 in Hyde Park, London, where Britain showcased its industrial power during the Industrial Revolution. Japan first participated in the 1867 Paris Expo, and its first time hosting was in Osaka in 1970, a landmark event symbolizing Japan’s rapid economic growth. That Expo was also the first World Expo held in Asia and drew over 64 million visitors, making it the most visited Expo of the 20th century. Since then, Japan has hosted:
World Expo 2005 in Aichi, which later became Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park, now home to Ghibli Park
Specialized Expos in Okinawa (1975) and Tsukuba (1985)
A Horticultural Expo in Osaka (1990)
In 2018, Japan was elected to host World Expo 2025 in Osaka, an event projected to have an economic impact of 4,950.9 billion yen.
The Expo will run for six months, from April 13 to October 13, 2025, spanning 184 days.
With so many exciting attractions, Osaka Expo 2025 is shaping up to be a historic event—one that blends technology, culture, and innovation in a way that could define the future.
And of course, there's Myaku Myaku, the official Osaka Expo mascot. According to the Expo’s official site, it’s described as:
"A mysterious creature born from the fusion of cells and water. Its true identity remains unknown."
The theme of the 2025 Expo is centered around "Society 5.0," a vision of the future where IoT, AI, robotics, big data, and biotechnology work together to tackle global challenges while fostering economic development.
One of the main attractions will be the international pavilions, where visitors can explore different cultures, innovations, and ideas from across the globe. 47 countries have already confirmed plans to build their own pavilions.
France’s Pavilion – Themed "Hymne Amour" (Hymn to Love), it features a structure inspired by the Arc de Triomphe with a rooftop French-style hanging garden. The pavilion explores the concept of love—self-love, love for others, and love for nature—through an immersive, interactive experience.
Japan’s Pavilion – The host country’s pavilion will showcase the JUNKAN (cycle of life), a fundamental concept in Japanese culture. Highlights include collaborations like "Hello Kitty x Algae," an exhibit featuring Mars Rocks, and a tie-in with the globally popular BE@RBRICK brand.
Also, the Expo’s food scene is set to be groundbreaking, with over 100 restaurants offering everything from sustainable sushi to futuristic dining experiences.
The below photo is the venue map plan:
Here’s what to expect:
Future Business Facility – Showcasing revolutionary food tech and innovations.
Future Challenge Shop – A platform for companies to introduce creative food concepts.
EARTH TABLE - Future Restaurant – A unique dining experience redefining the way we eat.
Sustainable Food Court – A next-gen eatery where robots and humans collaborate.
Sushi from 70 Countries (Kura Sushi)
Imagine sushi inspired by flavors from 70 different countries! Using sustainable ingredients like smart-farmed fish and organic seafood, Kura Sushi has managed to create a truly global sushi experience.
World’s First 3D Art Drinks (Suntory)
Thanks to Suntory’s Lidris technology, you’ll be able to sip on drinks featuring customized 3D designs, from your name to Expo-themed artwork. Almost too pretty to drink!
Gluten-Free Ramen (GF RAMEN LAB)
Although not new, the offering of this dish is going yo be great. Imagine having allergies and any other issues with stomach and digestion, but still crave that sweet ramen. So Kenmin Foods has made rich, flavorful ramen without wheat, offering a great option for those with gluten allergies.
Tonkatsu Noguchi
Japan’s crispy pork cutlet gets a modern makeover with innovative cooking techniques and bold new flavors.
100% Farmed Sushi (Sushiro)
For the first time ever, an entire sushi menu will be made exclusively from farmed ingredients not from the sea but from land, proving that sustainability and great taste can go hand in hand.
Beyond its futuristic tech and cultural exhibits, Osaka Expo 2025 is shaping up to be a paradise for food lovers.
How to Get Tickets?
Tickets for Osaka Expo 2025 can be purchased on the official website. For details and pricing, visit the official ticket page.
References
Tenjikaieigyo – Details on Osaka Expo 2025 logistics and operations
https://tenjikaieigyo.com/banpakumuryoku/Nikkei Expo 2025 – Food scene and expected culinary experiences https://expo2025.nikkei.co.jp/event09/
Hochi News – Latest updates and insights on Expo 2025 https://hochi.news/articles/pub_ext_E1740707742117.html
Official Expo 2025 Website – News, event details, and ticket information
https://www.expo2025.or.jp/news/news-20241018-02/Mapion News – Coverage of Expo-related developments and themes
https://www.mapion.co.jp/news/women/womanexcite-E1740707742117-all/Japan National Tourism Organization – Overview of Osaka Expo 2025 and visitor information
https://www.japan.travel/en/expo2025/about/Nikkei Asia- 'Creepy but cute' Osaka Expo mascot steps forward as quirky hit https://asia.nikkei.com/Life-Arts/Arts/Creepy-but-cute-Osaka-Expo-mascot-steps-forward-as-quirky-hit
