Osaka Expo Visit #6: May 3, 2025

I only had time to explore one pavilion during this visit—but for good reason. I spent the morning co-hosting a live stream from Expo 2025 with my colleague from Japan-Culture-NYC in New York. Our goal? To bring the Expo experience to those around the world who can’t attend in person. If you're interested in culture, innovation, or simply global inspiration, I hope you’ll tune in next time!

But even with just one pavilion visit, the day was far from quiet—it was Awa Odori Day! This traditional Japanese folk dance, full of rhythm and spirit, is special. I used to love watching and participating when I lived in Japan.

Troupes from across the region—young, old, even international members—filled the stage with energy. It was more than entertainment; it was cultural exchange in motion. I’ve included a video clip - Try it!

What I love most about Awa Odori is how it reveals the festive, uninhibited side of Japanese people—a side the world doesn’t always see behind the serious business image. But trust me, when it’s time to dance…they get down!

I eagerly anticipated the Tech World Pavilion (Tamayama Digital Tech Co., LTD), a stunning fusion of Life, Future, and Nature. We often forget how many computer chips surround us. Your smartphone or TV? Up to 200 chips. Drive a modern car? You’re interacting with anywhere from 1,500 to 3,000.

What struck me wasn’t just the numbers, but the artistry of the exhibit. Towering digital screens bursting with vibrant colors, using data and 3D visuals to tell living, breathing stories. Technology was portrayed not only as powerful, but also precise and delicate enough to write on the petals of an orchid.

The journey was interactive, too. Each visitor was given a smart bracelet to wear that tracked pulse responses to the various exhibits. At the end, it revealed which element we resonated with most—Life, Nature, or Future. My result? Nature. No surprise. While I love technology (I have worked in the field for almost 30 years), I always maintain a deep connection and appreciation of nature. 

This day reminded me how culture and technology, old traditions and new visions, can coexist—and even elevate each other. Whether dancing in the streets or coding in labs, it’s all part of the story we’re writing together for the future, on display at Osaka Expo 2025.

Stay tuned...More visits come.

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

*All pictures and videos taken by Yvonne Burton.