Japan Summer 2025 – Part 2: Osaka Expo

After a few days in Kyoto, we headed to Osaka for the 2025 World Expo.

World Expos aren’t held every year—they take place only once every five years, and cities around the world compete for the chance to host. This time in Osaka, the theme was Designing Future Society for Our Lives. With AI changing our world so quickly, and with me often wondering what life will look like as I grow older and my kids grow up, the theme felt especially relevant. I was excited to see what smart minds and major corporations would present.

One thing I quickly learned: the Expo is super crowded. To really enjoy it, you need to study ahead, set priorities, and make a plan—otherwise you’ll be stuck in endless lines, exhausted and overheated. I did my homework as best I could, but even with a plan I couldn’t get into the pavilion I was most excited about. Still, we managed to visit seven pavilions, enjoy some excellent Vietnamese food, and survive the summer heat.

What struck me most was how each country showcased its unique character through the exhibitions. And even just walking around, seeing the striking architecture—from Japan’s wooden ring structure to futuristic metal buildings—was incredibly exciting and inspiring.

If I had more time (and the weather had been kinder), I would have bought a pass and kept going back at least ten times!