Osaka Expo Visit #13: June 17, 2025

Scenes from the day...

This was an adventure - ocean, jungles, and playtime!

Exploring the Ocean at the PORTUGAL PAVILION

From ancient maps telling of long-ago borders and distant travelers encountering new lands, this pavilion with cascading ropes and nets representing rolling waves, and bathed in blue, focuses on the life-giving power of the ocean.

What if the ocean were to tell its own story?

That is just what it did via a spectacular film projected 360-degrees on every surface - from walls to floor. We were enveloped in the ocean's vastness, life-giving and sustainable beauty. I felt as if I was on the ocean floor! The exhibit shows us that the path to a sustainable future begins with honoring and protecting our relationship with the ocean, the planet’s original lifeline.

The KUWAIT PAVILION - a Visionary Lighthouse that spotlights the nation's heritage, culture, and vision for the future.

I was told this pavilion would be captivating, and it was. From the warm welcome of the staff as you enter to participating in their interactive displays and activities - seeing ancient trade routes, pearls, a traditional dance lesson, a slide, a romp through a virtual park, and VR exploration - this was an educational and fun journey.

Ending with a splendid cosmic show, which reminded me of visits to the planetarium when I was a child. I was so mesmerized, I stayed and watched it a second time, and ended my visit by speaking my wish that was uploaded to the stars!

The BRASIL PAVILION told the story of our planet's current struggle with climate change and hopeful victory.

Plants and animals are represented on the ceiling, and humans are depicted on the ground, with colored lights telling the story of climate damage in deep red and the hopeful rebirth in greens and gold. With its amazing natural wonders, Brasil is fighting to save its magnificent natural treasures for all of us.

The SERBIA PAVILION was all about PLAY!

Play for growth, innovation, and humanity. This fun-focused and educational exhibit gives us a preview of the upcoming 2027 Belgrade Expo, showing how PLAY can be used to "shape resilient individuals and communities."

INDONESIA PAVILION

Rich is culture and nature's splendor. From the moment you enter the pavilion, the beauty, warmth, and grandeur envelop you in jungle scenes, traditional artifacts, and beautifully woven batiks.

Stay tuned...more visits come.

NOTE: I am writing about my Expo visits to share the wonders, innovations, inspiration, and cultural richness of EXPO Osaka 2025 with those who are interested, but unable to attend.

*All pictures and videos by Yvonne Burton.