Osaka Expo Visit #24: August 27, 2025

Scenes from the day...

FRANCE Pavilion

The pavilion’s pulsating red thread spirals upward—twisting gracefully to intertwine with the beloved symbols of France: art, fashion, gastronomy, and timeless elegance.

Stepping into the 'trunk room' lined with images of the iconic Louis Vuitton travel trunks in varying stages —from open and empty to neatly packed and closed—symbolizes the moment of setting off on a trip, or the next part of the exhibition at least. In the center, a giant rotating globe made up of white trunks illustrates the shared journey of exploration and how travel connects us all. See what they did there? Clever!

The journey continues with a celebration of French icons. Exquisite fabrics and couture that revolutionized fashion and changed the shape of things to come. What one friend dismissed as “just mannequins” told a deeper story: how fabrics transformed design, self-expression, and daily life. New textiles created freedom of movement and style, empowering women with choices that supported liberation and reshaped society. French designers, through innovation in fashion, helped open doors not only in aesthetics but in women’s development and independence.

Sculptures of hands symbolizing the artisans who shaped centuries of creativity; the story of wines and terroir that define French culture.

The over 1,000-year-old olive tree in the courtyard of the pavilion. Touching it was connecting with something ancient, resilient, and life-affirming. Imagine, something that bridges centuries, continents, and cultures - now rooted on a man-made island, thousands of miles from its home, at an event showcasing the hopes and innovations for the future. In that moment, past, present, and future seemed to converge at my fingertips.

Wonderous!

SULTANATE of OMAN Pavilion

Telling its Tale of Land, Water, and People, this imposing desert red rose colored compound has an oasis-like feel on the outside -  water, roses, fig trees – with seating to invite present-day Expo nomads to pause and rest on their pavilion exploring journey.

On the inside a long passageway lined with proverbs reminding us of the vitality of life-giving water. We are then led to an immersive display celebrating the interconnectedness of nature and people now, always, and for future growth. From the desert, drawing water buried deep in sand, rises the symbolic Tree of Humanity, connecting us all - that is the way of survival.

The end of Osaka Expo is coming up so fast but stay tuned... still more visits to come!

NOTE: I am writing and giving online talks 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