The 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo is currently being held in Konohana Ward, Osaka City from April 13th (Sunday) to October 13th (Monday/Holiday), 2025!

On Wednesday, October 8th, 2025, a special discussion event was held at the “Theme Week Studio” inside the Expo venue!

This event focused on discussing the processes that have emerged through the Expo, how to carry them into the future, and the relationship between nature – including the “Forest of Serenity” located in the center of the Expo site – and resonance in future society.

The event was divided into three parts. Part 1 was titled “Expo 2025 and National Area Plans” and featured discussions about the Expo’s overall summary and the future of the “Forest of Serenity.”

One participant noted that this Expo has helped overcome global restrictions and has fully restored real-life experiences of meeting people directly and seeing things with one’s own eyes alongside Italy.

Another participant mentioned that their pavilion shares heritage and traditional culture to help visitors make new discoveries and develop interest in looking at the world starting from their country.

Part 2 was titled “Osaka’s Potential Post-Expo” and featured discussions about the importance of incorporating Expo initiatives into Osaka’s urban development moving forward.

One speaker expressed confidence that the world has recognized the power of Osaka people to make things interesting, and emphasized that this is not the end but rather the beginning of applying Expo initiatives to the city’s development.

Another speaker discussed the design of the “Grand Roof Ring,” noting that seeing many visitors looking up at it with enjoyment on opening day felt like it had truly come to life. They expressed belief that urban planning prioritizing people’s feelings over efficiency will become mainstream.

Another participant discussed the conscious incorporation of nature throughout the site, including bamboo benches shaped like boats, and noted that visitors have been using these elements effectively, finding their own ways to interact with them – something that will be important for Osaka’s future urban development.

Part 3 was titled “Cities After Expo 2025” and featured the architectural unit that designed “Better Co-Being” within the Expo.

One architect noted that while current buildings and walls create clear boundaries, future urban planning should focus on creating spaces where boundaries are minimal or unnoticeable.

The other architect mentioned that “Better Co-Being” was designed to blend into the forest and nature, creating a sense of seamlessly entering the facility. They emphasized that creating spaces that blend into nature is more important than traditional urban development approaches.

The discussion provided valuable insights

2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo

The 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo is a World Expo scheduled to be held in Osaka, Japan, from April 13 to October 13, 2025. Its theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” will focus on creating a sustainable society and is set to take place on the artificial island of Yumeshima. This marks the second time Osaka has hosted a World Expo, following the highly successful 1970 event.

Konohana Ward

Konohana Ward is a district in Osaka, Japan, located on the city’s western waterfront. Historically an industrial area, it is now known for prominent modern landmarks such as Universal Studios Japan and the Tempozan Ferris Wheel. The ward has transformed into a major entertainment and tourist destination while retaining its industrial and port functions.

Osaka City

Osaka City is a major port and commercial center in Japan, historically known as the nation’s “kitchen” for its crucial role in the rice trade during the Edo period. It grew from the 16th-century Azuchi-Momoyama period, when Toyotomi Hideyoshi built Osaka Castle, establishing it as a political and economic hub. Today, it is a modern metropolis renowned for its vibrant street food, nightlife, and contemporary architecture.

Theme Week Studio

I am unable to provide a summary for “Theme Week Studio” as it does not appear to be a widely recognized public place, landmark, or cultural site with an established history. It is likely a specific local business, a project name, or an internal studio space. For an accurate summary, more specific context about its location and purpose would be needed.

Forest of Serenity

The Forest of Serenity is a tranquil, ancient woodland often associated with meditation and spiritual retreats in various cultural traditions. While not a specific historical site, its concept draws from real-world sacred groves and forests found in cultures like Shinto in Japan, where such natural spaces are considered the abode of spirits. It serves as a symbolic place for finding peace, introspection, and harmony with nature.

Grand Roof Ring

I am unable to find any historical or cultural information about a place called the “Grand Roof Ring.” It is possible this name is a translation or refers to a local structure not widely documented. Could you please provide more context or clarify the location?

Better Co-Being

I am unable to provide a summary for “Better Co-Being” as it does not appear to be a recognized historical place, landmark, or established cultural site. It is likely a modern business name, brand, or concept related to wellness and collaborative spaces rather than a location with a public history.

Italy

Italy is a country in Southern Europe with a rich cultural history that dates back to the Roman Empire, which left a lasting legacy in law, engineering, and architecture. It later became the birthplace of the Renaissance, producing masterpieces in art, science, and literature by figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Today, Italy is renowned for its historic cities, iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and its influential contributions to cuisine, fashion, and the arts.