Expo 2025 Osaka is centred arounda giant timber Ring structure

Expo 2025 Osaka from above – Courtesy of the Expo.

Architettura – On April 13, Expo 2025 Osaka will open its doors on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay, Japan. For six months, until October 13, the international exhibition is set to showcase and present events and initiatives aimed at creating a future society for our lives. 150 countries, 25 international organisations, along with contributions from companies, NGOs, and NPOs will join the show. The Expo’s master plan, created by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, is centred around the Ring Roof, a two-kilometre-long, 60.000 sqm wooden circle, the largest timber structure to date.

RELATED STORIES: Read more about Expo 2025 Osaka on archipanic.com.

The ring, which spans between 12 and 22 metres in height and approximately 600m in diameter, forms a key part of the Expo’s circulation, offering both weather protection and a captivating experience. The architects drew inspiration from traditional Japanese timber craftsmanship in remarkable structures such as Kyoto’s Kiyomizu Temple.

Ring Roof by Sou Fujimoto Architects at Expo 2025 Osaka - Courtesy of the Expo.

Under the Ring Roof – Courtesy of the Expo.

“Taking advantage of its location surrounded by the sea, we will design the venue of the Expo based on the concept of connecting with the world through the sea and sky,” explained Sou Fujimoto. The ring will encircle the core of Expo 2025 Osaka, including national pavilions and plazas, while leading to the flow line in a dispersed manner.

Courtesy of the Expo.

The space beneath the Ring Roof serves as a seamless traffic promenade, acting as the main flow path of the site while also providing a cozy area that protects against rain, wind, and sunlight. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the entire site from different vantage points on the Ring’s rooftop and appreciate the beauty of the Expo site, framed by the sea and sky, including the lush landscape of the Seto Inland Sea and stunning sunset views from the rooftop.

View from the Czechia Pavilion – Photo via X, @expo2025czechia.

Fujimoto explained that the grand ring was designed to symbolise unity beneath a shared sky. However, Expo 2025 Osaka’s overall reception wasn’t as expected. Organisers are struggling to rouse enthusiasm for the event, as ticket sales lag and there is growing public concern about the escalating construction costs ($1.5b, +27% from 2020 estimates). The Japanese architect argued that the budget increase resulted partly from rising prices associated with the Ukraine conflict, “which no one could have predicted.”

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Fujimoto told AFP that using wood for the Grand Ring was a sustainable choice, referring to the “beautiful cycle” of trees absorbing carbon dioxide. Yet, Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun daily reported in December that just 12.5% of the temporary structure will be reused after the Expo – down from the original plan of 25%.