Osaka Expo Visit #18: August 1, 2025

SINGAPORE Pavilion

This pavilion is hard to miss—the Big Red Ball beckons! The red sphere - called 'The Dream Sphere' - serves as a bold showcase for Singapore’s hopes for the future.

As you enter, you walk through a dense hanging forest of intricate paper cut-out art depicting the abundant nature of Singapore, with trees, plants, and animals, all juxtaposed with the mega-modern city skyline. Nature and innovation existing harmoniously.

As we ascended into the heart of the sphere, we arrived at the interactive feature called “Create Your Dream.” Here, we were invited to write down our hopes—for ourselves, our communities, or the world. Our dreams then become part of Singapore’s vision for the future, projected onto the ceiling of the sphere. Woven into the digital tapestry echoing Singapore’s powerful message: “Let your dreams shape our world.”

To exit the pavilion, we walk through an oasis of greenery, lush, and soothing, that reminds us of Singapore’s commitment to sustainability and green urban spaces.

The Singapore Pavilion isn't just something you see—it makes you feel. As I stood in the sphere gazing up, watching the movie of an evolving dream of the future, I felt uplifted, hopeful, and truly blessed. Our dreams do matter. And they are the beginning of what is possible.

HUNGARY Pavilion

A few people told me I would love this pavilion, and they were right.

Serene beauty and the gentle fragrance of Lily of the Valley flowers permeate the pavilion—an experience akin to aromatherapy, inviting calm and peace.

Delicately rendered works of art line the walls, reminding us of the connection between man and the natural world. The artistry is quiet, yet powerful, evoking Hungary’s cultural roots and deep respect for nature.

The centerpiece of this pavilion is a live musical performance that highlights the country’s rich folk music traditions - stories of the joys and sorrows of life. The haunting melody turns sing-along to end on a hopeful note.

Hungary’s pavilion teaches us that traditions are not just rooted in the past, they are the bridges we use to create the future.

CANADA Pavilion

Beneath the frozen white surface, Canada reveals its hidden depths.

I did not know how I was going to describe this exhibit when I experienced it. I thought how absolutely ‘brilliant’ whoever thought this up. When I first walked into the room, I thought, “oh, that is rather simple.” Towering “icebergs” gleaming white. But then, the magic of technology brought them to life… “OMG!” was my next thought.

Using a handheld AR device, visitors scan across these glowing blocks of “ice” to uncover the rich and detailed stories beneath: Canada’s vast and breathtaking natural landscapes, traditional industries like logging and rail, fishery, the green splendor of the Aurora, and cityscapes including the iconic CN Tower in Toronto. Digital Dioramas! We also got a view of Canada from space!

Near the end of the tour, a quiz game about the many regions and animals of Canada. Did you know the color of a Beaver's tongue is orange? I did, and my prize was a beautiful postcard!

There is so much to Canada, even beneath the surface.

KOREA Pavilion

The outside of the Korea Pavilion is a dazzling digital love letter to the country rich history, vibrant present, tech brilliant future.

Inside, visitors are invited to record their response to a question prior to entry into the first part of the exhibit. All voices are then transformed by AI into music and then set to an incredible light show—a RAVE of voices, languages, and light! We were connected to each other and a part of the exhibit.

In contrast to this intense visual and auditory opener, part 2 of this pavilion used our breath to create water bubbles generated through green technology. From Breath to Bubbles!  Catching bubbles floating down from above...I held (my own) breath in my hand.

What would the Korea Pavilion be without some K-POP? The past and present connect through music with the story of a girl fulfilling her grandfather’s musical dreams into the future.

SHINING HAT Mapping

I ended the day with the nightly projection show at SHINING HAT.

Imagine this: sitting on the warm ground on a breezy summer night, surrounded by fellow expo-goers, watching vibrant images of hope, art, life, and dreams from artists all over the world, drenched in color, dancing across a gigantic hat. Words don’t do it justice—just look at the pictures.

Stay tuned... still more visits to 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