Wonder, Hope, and a Shared Joy: Why Expo 2025 Feels So Special

My first-ever World Expo has me exploring, connecting, and gasping in amazement like a kid again—right here in the city I used to call home.

I was chatting with a friend the other day, trying to explain why I’m so genuinely excited about Expo 2025. I’ve shared some of the reasons before, but one hit me in a new way as I heard myself say it out loud.

The entire world endured a long season of suffering during COVID-19. We lived under a heavy cloud of fear, worry, and uncertainty. I think what makes this Expo feel so special is that it’s the first global event where countries and visitors from all over the world can come together and finally feel a shared sense of joy, hope, and excitement again. Yes, there have been other events, but many were held cautiously, in the lingering shadows of the worst of the pandemic. This feels different. This feels bright, fresh, and full of hope for me.

Another friend summed it up perfectly when I mentioned this to her: it’s the feeling of something “brand new.” And she’s right.

As kids, we loved to explore and have our attention grabbed by something out of the ordinary. I’m feeling a lot of that now—curiosity, delight, and a sense of adventure—coupled with learning about new places and cultures, innovative technologies and initiatives, and seeing glimpses of great possibilities for the future. This is my first World Expo, and I choose to wander through it with childlike wonder. Walking the grounds, exploring the pavilions, having my attention captured at every turn—it’s almost magical. Walking on the Grand Ring is a marvel for me.

I’ve found myself gasping in (good) surprise again. When doors opened to the incredible exhibitions I’ve seen so far, involuntary “ooohhhs" sprang forth! When I first saw the model city inside the Iida/Osaka Metropolitan University Pavilion, a loud “WOW” could not be contained.

There have been so many of these moments—admiring pavilion architecture, chatting with people in line, watching visitors dressed in their national garments strolling the grounds, listening to music, watching traditional dance performances, and seeing the art throughout the site—it’s all joy for me.

There’s also an extra layer of meaning: it’s all happening in Osaka, a place I called home for years in my youth and still love dearly. (I’m an Osaka Girl!) That makes it even more special—something to appreciate and celebrate.

After the long sadness, the devastating losses of so many and to so many, and the breath-held anxiousness of the pandemic, something that fills me—and hopefully many others—with wonder, excitement, and appreciation again is more than welcome.

***Forgive all these pics of me, but I want to show my EXPO joy and excitement!

Just wanted to share these thoughts.

Best,

Yvonne

**Published as a LinkedIn article.