16 Dec Designing the future: Japan’s Expo 2025 welcomes the world to Osaka
What promises to be an extraordinary global event will take place from April 13 to October 13 next year in Osaka, Japan: Expo 2025. Under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” and with compelling subthemes — “Saving Lives,” “Empowering Lives,” and “Connecting Lives” — the event is expected to attract 28.2 million visitors, including 3 million foreign attendees.
The Expo will be held on the artificial island of Yumeshima and will include a total of eight zones for different thematic exhibitions. Within those zones, an impressive 153 countries, 25 international organizations and many companies will present innovative initiatives aimed at creating a future that meets society’s needs. Taking advantage of the site’s location surrounded by ocean in Osaka Bay, the Expo’s venue is based on the concept of connecting with the world through sea and sky. Historically, Osaka flourished as the largest economic city in Japan due to its prominence in international trading, with the city being an important textile and financial center. Moreover, Osaka is known as “tenka no daidokoro” — the nation’s kitchen — as a result of its famous and inexpensive cuisine. Today, Osaka is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the country and is held in high regard internationally, ranking 10th in the world’s most livable cities index.
The city and the wider Osaka Prefecture are home to nearly 8.8 million people. The prefecture generates a regional gross domestic product of approximately $362.5 billion a year, a sum equal in size to the GDP of Singapore, while its GDP per capita is estimated as $47,400. Japan, the world’s third-largest economy after the U.S. and China, is a powerhouse of innovation and a hub for global business expansion. Known for its highly developed mixed economy, Japan exemplifies the East Asian model, excelling in the production of manufactured goods and providing an unparalleled business environment. Cities like Tokyo and Osaka are renowned for their fusion of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology, creating an environment ripe for discovery and opportunity.
Japan’s economy is also driven by dynamic service sectors, including banking, real estate, retail, insurance, telecommunications and transportation. The combined population of the country’s 103 largest cities exceeds 63.9 million, with 13 cities boasting over one million residents. Notably, Japan ranks 14th globally in terms of average wealth and its leading companies are worth a staggering $2 trillion. At the forefront of Japan’s economy is Toyota, the world’s biggest automobile manufacturer with a market capitalization exceeding $273 billion. Not far behind it are giants such as Sony Group, Honda, SoftBank, Nomura and Mitsubishi, which are recognized as some of the largest service firms worldwide. However, despite its industrial might and major urban centers, over 68% of Japan is covered in trees, making it one of the most forested developed nations.
Japan, with its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and economic prowess, offers endless opportunities for businesses and innovators alike. Expo 2025 is set to be a remarkable showcase of the country’s strengths and an invitation to the world to explore the future of society through the lens of Japanese excellence.