The Osaka/Kansai Expo, a highly anticipated event, is currently taking place in Yumeshima, Osaka, from April 13 to October 13, 2025. This expo is showcasing a variety of pavilions that highlight innovative themes and cultural exchanges. Among the standout pavilions is the EARTH MART, produced by renowned broadcasting writer Kosan Shoyama, which explores the theme of 'Tsumugu Inochi' or 'Weaving Life'. This pavilion aims to visualize the life of the fish and vegetables that humans consume, engaging visitors in discussions about new ways of eating.
The first section of the pavilion, titled 'Inochi no Flora', presents the staggering number of eggs that a typical Japanese person consumes over their lifetime. This visual representation is designed to provoke thoughts about food consumption and sustainability.
Another notable pavilion is 'null2', produced by media artist Yoichi Ochiai. On April 18, 2025, Ochiai announced via his Instagram that a machine to automate queue tickets has been installed at his pavilion. The expo's overarching theme, 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives', is examined through the unique perspectives of eight different producers. Ochiai's pavilion, themed 'Polishing Life', features a striking design that utilizes a mirror-like film material across all its walls, creating a dynamic visual experience. Visitors to this pavilion must secure reservations or enter a lottery to gain access.
In a video shared on social media, Ochiai showcased the touch panel system that allows attendees to manage their entry into the pavilion. Comments on the post reflected enthusiasm, with visitors praising the innovative approach. Some expressed their excitement, stating, "It was intense," and "I was blown away!"
Additionally, the France Pavilion, one of the largest overseas exhibits, is making waves at the expo. Sponsored by LVMH, it features permanent exhibitions from luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Moët Hennessy. Special exhibitions from Séverine and Chaumet are also planned, with Séverine's display running from April 13 to May 12, 2025, and Chaumet's from September 1 to October 13, 2025.
Jacques Méol, the President of COFREX and overall supervisor of the France Pavilion, emphasized the pavilion's commitment to showcasing the fusion of French and Japanese cultures, advanced technology, and traditional craftsmanship. The pavilion's theme, translated as 'Ode to Love', invites visitors on a journey through eight artistic cultures that embody the deep ties between France and Japan.
The exhibition begins on the second floor, where attendees are greeted by a red sign reading 'PULSATION'. One of the highlights includes a tapestry depicting a scene from the animated film 'Princess Mononoke'. This tapestry, alongside a statue of a chimera guarding the Notre-Dame Cathedral, immerses visitors in the narrative of the exhibition.
As guests move through the pavilion, they transition from a dimly lit space filled with flickering lights and sound to a brightly illuminated area showcasing the craftsmanship of Louis Vuitton. In a collaboration with architect Sou Fujimoto, the exhibit utilizes 85 trunks to illustrate the creative process behind the brand.
Another captivating installation features a massive spherical structure made from geometrically joined white trunks, where visual artist Daito Manabe presents a CG and live-action installation that captures the Earth's beauty from a grand perspective. Manabe, also a composer, has integrated music from IRCAM (the National Institute for Music and Acoustic Research) into the pavilion's ambiance, enhancing the overall experience.
The pavilion also includes sculptures by Auguste Rodin and dynamic video displays of dance performances recorded at the Pompidou Center, creating a contrast between stillness and movement. This blend of elements allows visitors to become enveloped in a cohesive worldview.
In the Dior section, photographs by Yuriko Takagi capture the essence of fashion, while a chair designed by Tokujin Yoshioka connects the real dresses on display with artistic interpretation. Gastronomy is also treated as a form of art, with animations showcasing the grape cultivation and winemaking processes from the Alsace region.
Among the special features is a courtyard dubbed the 'Miracle Garden', where a thousand-year-old olive tree, discovered by plant hunter Kiyokazu Nishihata in Provence, stands as a testament to cultural and biological significance.
From April 13, 2025, for a limited time, Séverine will showcase bags that have been transformed into art pieces through collaboration with the Hikoju Makie art group, known for its traditional lacquer techniques from the Ryukyu Islands. The art director for this exhibition, Justine Emard, expressed her intent to synchronize the entire experience through music that embodies the rhythm of the heart, creating an innovative modern homage to life.
Notably, the exhibition avoids traditional explanatory panels, choosing instead to create an intuitive experience that resonates with a diverse audience. This approach aligns with the expo's goal of fostering understanding across cultures.
One particularly memorable installation draws connections between various cultural landmarks, such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which suffered a fire in 2019, and Shuri Castle in Okinawa, which was largely destroyed the same year. This juxtaposition prompts reflections on the shared histories and cultural significance of these sites, reminding visitors of the power of resilience and the importance of preserving heritage.
The France Pavilion stands out as a must-see attraction at the expo, showcasing the collaborative visions of Japanese and French artists who resonate with a shared future. As the event continues, attendees are encouraged to explore the innovative and culturally rich experiences that each pavilion offers, making the Osaka/Kansai Expo a celebration of life, creativity, and global connection.
