The highly anticipated EXPO 2025 Osaka/Kansai Expo is set to kick off on April 13, 2025, marking a significant return to large-scale expos in Japan since the Aichi Expo in 2005. This event is particularly notable as it is the first major expo held in Osaka since Expo '70, which took place 55 years ago. The excitement surrounding the expo is palpable, with various pavilions and events designed to engage visitors from around the globe.
Last week, a press preview was held for the Signature Pavilion, a key feature of the expo that showcases eight distinct pavilions produced by different creators. Among these, the "Adventure to Explore Life" pavilion, produced by renowned director and designer Shoji Kawamori, is drawing significant attention. Kawamori, famed for his work on the beloved "Macross" anime series, has incorporated cutting-edge technology from Sony PCL into the pavilion, specifically in a VR/MR experience titled "Super Dimension Theater: 499 Seconds of Our Combined Body."
As attendees step into the Super Dimension Theater, they are greeted by 30 Super Dimension Devices—VR goggles equipped with cameras—arranged along a circular wall. This immersive experience allows participants to engage with a cosmic-scale food chain, sending virtual water to a small blue orb that grows larger as the narrative unfolds. The experience is designed to highlight the interconnectedness of life, encapsulated by the theme "life is fusion and transformation."
The integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) creates a unique atmosphere where participants can witness the merging of digital and physical worlds. As they interact with the virtual water orb, they can also see other participants, fostering a sense of unity among them. This MR component enhances the overall experience, allowing for a shared journey through the narrative.
The visual elements of the experience are impressive, featuring high-resolution graphics that provide a seamless and immersive environment. The virtual imagery is not limited to horizontal displays; it also includes vertical and depth information, creating an all-encompassing sensory experience. Visitors can look up to see fish swimming above them or down to feel as if they are floating in mid-air. Such advancements in visual technology are complemented by a sophisticated sound design, with music composed by Yoko Kanno, enhancing the emotional depth of the experience.
Adjacent to the Super Dimension Theater is the ANIMA! Theater, which provides another layer of interactivity through what is termed "sound XR experience" and "floor-type haptics." This theater features suspended membranes and mirrors, displaying projection mapping images inspired by water and light. The unique design allows for a multi-dimensional viewing experience, encouraging visitors to explore the visuals from different angles.
In the ANIMA! Theater, participants can feel vibrations through the floor, synchronized with their movements. For instance, during the opening moments of the projection, an announcement prompts everyone to jump, causing the floor to vibrate and intensifying the experience. This innovative use of haptics adds a physical dimension to the audiovisual presentation, making it a truly engaging environment.
While the technologies showcased at the expo are not entirely new, their integration into a cohesive, immersive experience represents a significant advancement in how audiences interact with content. Those planning to attend the expo are encouraged to explore the various pavilions that emphasize the theme of "life's continuity," offering insights into the future.
The Signature Pavilion also features other remarkable exhibits, such as "Dialogue Theater - The Spark of Life -" by filmmaker Naomi Kawase. This installation repurposes a school building slated for demolition, housing a 150-seat theater where discussions between participants are archived. The school also includes a "400-year-old cedar board speaker," which plays sounds that the cedar has absorbed over centuries.
Another highlight is Akito Ozawa's "EARTH MART," which focuses on food and sustainability. This exhibit invites visitors to reflect on the relationship between food and life, presenting thought-provoking visuals at both the entrance and exit. One of the objects displayed humorously illustrates the amount of eggs a typical Japanese person consumes in their lifetime, prompting visitors to consider their dietary habits.
Additionally, the pavilion titled "The Future of Life" envisions a world in 2075 where humans coexist with androids, presented through various figures and images. This exhibit employs transparent organic EL panels, projectors, and LED displays, making it a must-see for audiovisual enthusiasts.
In conjunction with the expo, Osaka City and private organizations are revitalizing the Higashi Yokobori River area, aiming to enhance the city's appeal as a "Water Capital". Events will be hosted in newly constructed promenades and leisure spaces, transforming previously underutilized waterfronts into vibrant community hubs.
As the expo approaches, a recent survey by Teikoku Databank revealed that 43.5% of companies believe the Osaka-Kansai Expo will positively impact the Japanese economy. However, concerns about potential traffic congestion and disruptions to daily life have also been voiced. Notably, the highest expectations are found in the Kinki region, with 58.8% of companies expressing optimism, particularly in Osaka (62.0%) and Hyogo (57.9%). In contrast, regions farther from the expo site, such as Hokkaido (30.3%) and Southern Kanto (36.6%), exhibit lower levels of enthusiasm.
In an effort to boost ticket sales, same-day tickets will be available for purchase at the venue starting on the opening day. While this move aims to address sluggish sales, it raises concerns about potential congestion at admission points. The Expo Association plans to manage ticket sales carefully, ensuring that the process remains smooth and efficient.
As the countdown to the EXPO 2025 Osaka/Kansai Expo continues, excitement builds for what promises to be a groundbreaking event. With its innovative exhibits and engaging experiences, the expo is set to captivate visitors and showcase the future of technology and life.
