Osaka Expo Visit #15: July 4, 2025

Scenes from the day...

I was fortunate to participate in a few guided tours on this visit. It gave me a deeper level of understanding and appreciation for the vast amount of work and dedication that goes on behind the scenes.

The GERMANY "WA" PAVILION

The Germany Pavilion itself IS the exhibit. Titled "Wa!" - meaning circle or harmony in Japanese - it is the perfect homage to the host country and Germany's incredible exhibition showing their sustainability commitment and building for the future. It is a prototype of circular and sustainable design and construction - built with reuse, resilience, and resource efficiency in mind.  

Stepping into the pavilion, visitors are equipped with a personal audio guide for a self-paced experience, and where everyone receives key insights, no matter where they're from.

One highlight of the exhibit is the “Dream Machine” – where with a wave of your hands, you can create your ideal future circular city - a social city focused on community? A green city where nature and tech blend harmoniously? A farming city that integrates food and life? Or even a vertical city, reaching skyward to maximize space and sustainability? (Confession: I skipped the vertical option—I’m not a fan of heights!)

As you move through the spiraled pathway to the next level, visual stories line the path, highlighting Germany’s real-world sustainability projects , such as the energy positive neighborhoods containing the first residential recycling house, a 'sponge' like city where planted troughs collect rainwater, and much more.

Don't forget to spin the virtual Fashion Wheel and try on digital outfits made from recycled materials, and scan the code to save your eco-outfit as a digital souvenir.

In the open-air part of the pavilion is the garden filled with plants and flowers from across Germany, reminding us that a circular future is as much about nature as it is about technology.

I spend a lot of time in Germany (my brother lives there ), and I can confirm that what is in this pavilion is already happening and reshaping German cities.

Walking through Germany’s “WA!” pavilion with our tour guide's in-depth commentary and the fact that it is an actual prototype of Circular Economy,  I couldn't help expressing the third meaning of 'wa' in Japanese - surprise and wonder!

The POLAND PAVILION

Nature, Music, and Innovation take the stage at the Poland Pavilion. Housed in an imposing wooden structure, the pavilion celebrates four main themes: nature, technology, science, and the unique “creativity gene” of the Polish people.

From the moment you enter, visitors can explore the rich world of Polish herbal traditions. Through a series of interactive tools, you learn about the plants and herbs that have long played a role in Polish daily life and used for wellness.

One of the most unique features of the exhibit is the chance to create your very own "Spirit Plant"—a digital representation of your essence, drawn from the world of herbs. As each visitor creates their plant, it is added to a collective digital mural bursting with color – an ever-changing garden!

An entire wall is adorned with beautifully illustrated botanical cards—each one a memento visitors can take home. These keepsakes are inscribed with verses blending Polish and Japanese poetry styles.

Of course, no tribute to Poland would be complete without honoring its beloved son, Frédéric Chopin. Music fills the pavilion. Aura—a unique ‘instrument’ made from natural materials (and resembling tiny brooms) produces soundscapes inspired by Chopin’s compositions. Later in the evening, I was lucky to attend a live recital of his works, performed by a rotating cast of classical musicians.

This pavilion is a wonderland that mixes the old and new—botanical wisdom, digital creativity, poetic expression, and classical music - all brought together to showcase the spirit of Poland.

My second visit to the CHINA PAVILION - please see visit# 12, part 1. With a guided tour, I learned even more, and here are more fabulous pictures!

Music called us to the STATE OF QATAR PAVILION!

Maritime heritage? Shorelines? YES!! Qatar is more than desert.

Resembling the traditional Qatari ‘dhow’ boat construction, the gleaming Qatar Pavilion invites us into its cool interior that celebrates the nation’s deep maritime heritage, long coastline, and culture.  Inside, exhibits spotlight Qatar’s journey—from seafaring and trade to sustainability and industrial innovation.

As I stepped outside after viewing the exhibit, I saw several staff members/performers in their pristine thobes (traditional long robes worn over loose pants) relaxing on a bench.  With their permission, I sat next to them. With a warm welcome, laughter, and hands forming the heart symbol, I got an impromptu photo. New knowledge about this country and a wonderful memento!

The MALAYSIA PAVILION

From the outside, the pavilion hints at its theme - Weaving A Future in Harmony – with a woven Bamboo façade inspired by Malaysia’s traditional ‘songket’ fabric.

Inside, the journey through the pavilion takes you past replicas of the famed food carts with many popular Malaysian dishes, through areas highlighting culture, innovative technology, and the unity between nature and people represented by the towering Tree of Harmony —a magnificent structure made of bamboo rattan fabric in the atrium.

As you exit, you are invited to experience Malaysia’s artisanal crafting firsthand. Local weavers are there to demonstrate fabric designs, and you can even join a quick hands-on session to try these traditional weaving techniques for yourself.

Stay tuned...as of July 13th, Expo is half over, but still 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.