As far back as the late 18th century, countries held world fairs and world expos to showcase the future—technologically, culturally, and artistically.
Centuries later in 1970, the Japan World Exposition in Osaka, Japan, introduced conveyor belt sushi, early mobile phones, and even the first-ever IMAX film. Fifty five years later, the World Expo will return to Osaka with a vision for the future.
In just under two months, the Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, is set to be held on Yumeshima Island, a man-made island outside of bustling metropolis. The expo will run from April 13 to October 13 every day from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm, but on Feb. 25, the event’s mascot, MYAKU-MYAKU made its way to USC’s campus
MYAKU-MYAKU is a misshapen blue and red mascot composed of loose water and cells multiplying and changing, symbolizing “endless possibilities.” At USC, the mascot snapped pictures with students at the East Asian Studies Center while the Japan Association for the World Expo 2025 highlighted what to expect at the six-month-long event.
“This is the first expo that focuses on life itself, so not only for humans, but for other creatures on this planet—how we can live sustainably,” said Megumi Nakai, the chief of public relations and promotion for the Japan Association for the 2025 World Expo. “We think that having this expo after COVID and the war in Ukraine and [other] crises, I think it’s important that we gather in one place, discuss solutions.”
Representing over 160 different countries, the expo will feature pavilions showcasing each country’s innovations, traditional food, art, performances, and more.
The United States’ planned pavilion is set to focus on the theme of “Imagine What We Can Create Together,” featuring distinct architecture composed of LED screens and a suspended cube displaying American landmarks.
Throughout the expo, each country will also have the opportunity to hold a National Day dedicated to their culture.
This is on top of eight themed pavilions produced by notable artists and scholars in Japan, ranging from “Macross” creator Shoji Kawamori to Hiroshi Ishiguro, a professor at Osaka University focused on the blurred lines between humans and robots.
Of the many technologies set to appear at the expo, one of the headliners, according to Nakai, is a real flying car. Beyond just being a showcase of the newest technology, the expo also serves as a testing period for innovators to learn how to improve their work.
“Since it’s going to be experimented on for 484 days, that will overcome all kinds of obstacles that we have to clear,” said Nakai. “So we think implementing that latest technology into our daily lives can be realized at the Expo.”
Jay Lee, a program specialist at USC’s Korean Studies Institute, felt that connecting events like the expo to students is so important.
“I think that these events are really important to showcasing what the world is working towards together, bringing solutions to global issues, and from my perspective, it’s an issue where places like the U.S have been lacking, just showing themselves on the world stage,” he said.
Nakai reaffirmed this ambition, discussing the impact it might even have on young people who experience the event.
“We think the expo is something that will change the lives of everyone, especially for the younger generation,” she said. “We had an expo in 1970 in Osaka, and so many kids went there, and because they attended the expo, they said they wanted to be a diplomat or they want to work as an architect, so I think it really changed the world.”
USC student Cooper Brown, a double major in communications and East Asian area studies is studying in Tokyo later in the semester. He is looking forward to visiting the expo himself.
“Definitely trying to go to the American Pavilion,” he said. “Just visiting as many exhibits as I can, hopefully practice my Japanese and make some new friends.”
Even if attendees are unable to make the trip out to Osaka, the World Expo is also being held virtually through an interactive experience where anyone across the globe can participate through an avatar and a 3D recreation of the island.
And regardless of whether they attend in-person or digitally, visitors can be sure to be greeted by a friendly five-eyed creature ushering a new future of global art and technology.
