Expo Osaka 2025 Concludes with 28 Million Visitors Amid Global Unity Themes

OSAKA, Japan — The Expo Osaka 2025 concluded on October 13, after welcoming around 28 million visitors over its six-month run. The event, which began on April 13, featured participants from 165 countries and international organizations, all gathered on Yumeshima, a reclaimed site in Osaka.

This 36th World Expo emphasized themes of Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives, encouraging dialogues on improving both built and social environments. The Expo, housed in the world’s largest wooden structure called the “Grand Ring,” was designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto and spans 2 kilometers in length and 20 meters in height. The structure served as a symbol of unity during a time marked by global tensions.

Throughout the event’s 184 days, visitors explored over 150 pavilions and various public activities. Sugano Masafumi, Japan’s Deputy Commissioner General for Expo 2025, noted that the event not only showcased cultural exchanges but also provided an opportunity for participants to foster international collaboration. /n”It has become harder for people to travel abroad,” Sugano said, “so this is a wonderful opportunity for the Japanese public to interact with people from other countries.”

The expo prioritized sustainability in its design, with many pavilions built from recyclable materials. After the event, the site will be restored to its natural state, though the Grand Ring may be repurposed for future uses.

During the closing ceremony held at the Expo Hall, BIE representatives called this edition “a symbol of resilience” and emphasized the importance of collective intelligence in overcoming global challenges.

A day prior to the conclusion, a BIE Day Awards Ceremony recognized 45 pavilions with Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards for their outstanding contributions. Among the awarded designs was the “A House of Love” pavilion, created by Lina Ghotmeh – Architecture, which won in the small pavilions category.

The upcoming World Expo will take place in 2030 under the theme “Foresight for Tomorrow,” aiming to continue the conversation on sustainable living.