Osaka Expo Visit #7: May 19, 2025

Scenes from the whirlwind of a day..so many pavilions...

SPAIN Pavilion

This pavilion truly stands out—or should I say UP! A long staircase leads you upward into a vibrant, circular structure that feels more like an ascent than an entrance. When lit at night, it gives the illusion of walking into the sun.

Inside, the journey begins with the ocean. The exhibit opens with the Kuroshio Current, a powerful connection between Spain and Japan that symbolizes the flow of time—linking past, present, and future. You walk between towering screens that immerse you in the sea’s vastness, from its marine life to the shared currents of humanity.

The experience flows into a passageway lit with the colors of a sunset, where a wall of postcards forms dazzling mosaics - each depicting Spain’s rich culture, cuisine, and heritage. A true celebration of this sun-drenched nation.

BANGLADESH

Art reflecting youth activism aiming to change the view of the country from poorest to growth and progress. The "Youth Dividend", a driving force of innovation and economic growth to ‘Redefine Bangladesh’ through initiatives that help create a “ Better Life for the Future” through education, sustainability, and social enterprise.

 ALGERIA

A graceful blend of the ancient and the modern. Algeria’s pavilion beautifully honors its cultural roots—rich traditions, craftsmanship, and history—while demonstrating how technology is being used to elevate these foundations. It’s a tribute to heritage as a launchpad for future industries.

THE BALTICS: LATVIA & LITHUANIA 

Under the joint theme “We Are One,” this collaborative pavilion is a peaceful celebration of unity through nature. Over 300 plant species are showcased along with their medicinal uses, illustrating deep respect for the natural world. A standout feature—the Kizuna Wall—invites visitors to pause, reflect, and leave behind a personal message to illustrate the connection between us and the world around us.

Fun Fact: This pavilion gained unexpected fame when their front-desk MYAKU MYAKU mascot went missing. Upon learning of this, many expo-goers contributed replacements—stuffed animals, balloon versions, even hand-knit mascots—turning the loss into a true demonstration of we are community and we are one.

SENEGAL

Looking toward the future, Senegal focuses on youth empowerment and global engagement. As the host of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, the pavilion shines a spotlight on young athletes and innovators, emphasizing a national commitment to excellence and opportunity for the next generation.

TÜRKİYE (TURKEY)

This pavilion shows the grandeur of ancient civilizations, spotlighting Turkey’s contributions in art, trade, cuisine, wellness, and creative industries. Artisans demonstrate time-honored techniques, offering a tactile connection to the nation’s rich cultural past—and its continued vibrancy today.

ARMENIA (COMMONS F)

Armenia’s story spans millennia—and it’s still being written. As the first nation to adopt Christianity and one of the birthplaces of winemaking, Armenia now positions itself at the forefront of innovation. A standout initiative is the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies, a free global learning hub for teens in tech and design—also the creative force behind the pavilion. A compelling blend of tradition and tech-forward vision.

CROATIA (COMMONS C)

The “Climadiversity” exhibit immerses visitors in Croatia’s rich spectrum of climates. A maze of transparent, water-filled tubes tracks your presence with thermal imaging—each touch responding with real-time temperature data from Croatian weather stations. Constantly shifting, no two moments are the same here—just like the climate itself.

EUROPEAN UNION

Highlights of sustainability efforts focus on the dedication to maintaining the highest care for its inclusive citizenry, which is spread across 27 member states. Did you know the national anthem of the E.U. is "Ode to Joy" from Beethoven's Symphony No.9?

CAMBODIA

Temples and artifacts highlight the spiritual and cultural richness of the country.

CHILE

Abundant nature and a vibrant display of woven traditional fabrics.

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.