Is Expo 2025 Worth It? I Visited 8+ Pavilions in One Evening—Here’s the Truth
My honest journey, pavilion by pavilion.
I just came back from Expo 2025 Osaka, and I have to say—I was surprised.
At first, here in Japan, the Expo hadn’t been getting good attention. There was a lingering negative image. But when I actually visited, I found that the venue was crowded, full of energy, and much more engaging than I expected.
Today, I want to share my personal experience and honest impressions from the Expo.
Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing a detailed guide exclusively for paid subscribers—covering how to avoid the biggest crowds, navigate the venue efficiently, and find the best spots for night shows and events.
If you’re planning a visit to Expo 2025, I genuinely recommend upgrading to a paid subscription—it’ll help you make the most of your time there.
🕔 We Entered at 17:00—and Still Visited Over 8 Pavilions
We opted for the Night Ticket, which allowed entry from 17:00. It’s about half the price of the full-day ticket, and I was honestly a bit worried we wouldn’t have time to see much. But in the end, we visited over eight pavilions, attended multiple shows, and had a full experience without the heat of mid-day.
The first stop—and the most memorable for me—was the PASONA Pavilion.
🧠 PASONA Pavilion – Future Healthcare Through Human Will and Tech
This pavilion was especially meaningful to me, not only because my own exhibition was featured here, but because it made me think seriously about what healthcare might look like in 10 or 20 years.
Here are five exhibits that stood out to me:
Flying Operation Unit
I watched a demonstration of remote healthcare delivery—drones and vehicles designed to bring doctors to people living in remote or disaster-hit regions. It wasn’t just a concept; it felt grounded in real-world need. I thought of all the places in Japan (and beyond) where access to care is still a major issue.
Brainwave-Measuring Sleep Bed
People were laying down on a sleek white bed, and as their brainwaves shifted, soft lights adjusted above them. It was quiet but impactful—it made me wonder how many of us actually understand how well we sleep or recover.
Physical Function Regeneration Devices
These were designed to help elderly people regain mobility using a combination of neuroscience and their own concentration. Watching it reminded me of how much untapped potential there still is in the aging process, especially if supported with dignity and smart tools.
iPS Cell-Engineered Heart
There was a visually striking model of a heart grown from iPS cells. The display explained how regenerative medicine might one day reduce reliance on transplants. It felt like a bridge between science fiction and clinical practice.
And last but not least, at the end of the pavilion was something personal—my small exhibition about the future of preventive health and what I do.
I was also happy to receive a few new contacts through this exhibition—an encouraging sign that there’s real interest in what I’m working on.
🌀 Ooyane Ring – The Beating Heart of the Venue
Before heading into the next Pavilion, we spent some time walking around the Ooyane Ring—a massive circular wooden roof that loops around the central event space.
The ring itself was beautifully built, and as sunset approached, it started to glow softly. We also watched a water-and-fire fountain animation show at the Ooyane ring at 8:30pm, and at 9:00 pm, we also saw the drone light show—hundreds of drones forming shapes in the sky above the ring. It was quiet, powerful, and surprisingly emotional.
🇧🇪 Next, We Went to the Belgium Pavilion
The Belgium Pavilion was compact but full of contrast. On one side, it introduced Belgium as a global center of clinical research, home to the largest clinical trial infrastructure in the EU. There were engaging digital exhibits about vaccine development and biotech.
🇫🇷 France Pavilion – Thoughtful, Elegant Fusion
France’s exhibit had a unique presence. I liked how the pavilion blended traditional Japanese aesthetics with European monumental design.
🚁 Air Mobility Station – A Bit of a Letdown, but Still Surprising
To be honest, I was expecting to see a flying car. But what was on display looked more like a futuristic helicopter. It wasn’t operational, and I did feel a little underwhelmed.
🌐 We Also Visited Other Global Pavilions (With No Waiting!)
We were able to stop by a few more country pavilions like Peru, Nepal, and Mozambique, without waiting in line. Peru’s pavilion focused on biodiversity and food culture. Nepal’s was more meditative, with prayer flags and a slow-flowing atmosphere. Mozambique featured vibrant crafts and textiles. Each space offered a short but meaningful window into a culture.
🤔 So, How Did I Feel About the Expo?
Personally, I really appreciated how the Expo gave me a chance to think about the future of healthcare. This year’s theme—“Designing Future Society for Our Lives”—made a lot of sense, especially after visiting the Pasona Pavilion, which truly embodied that message. I heard some other pavilions also touched on similar ideas.
That said, to be honest, I found the theme a bit hard to grasp across the entire site. Some pavilions leaned more toward science and innovation, but not all of them—and rather than focusing on cultural heritage or tourism, many felt a bit scattered in concept. I understand that World Expos are meant to showcase future technologies and national strengths, but I personally would have enjoyed it even more if it felt like a proper “mini world trip.”
Still, it was a fun way to experience a glimpse of different countries in one place—and it became a rare opportunity to reflect on what kind of world we’re heading into. Especially through the Pasona Pavilion, I was reminded how healthcare, technology, and creativity might shape our future in ways we don’t expect.
🌱 Your Turn
If you’ve already been to Expo 2025 Osaka:
Which pavilion stood out to you most?
Was there a moment that surprised or moved you?
And if you’re planning to go, I’d love to know which pavilion you’re most excited about.
Please feel free to comment, share with friends who are going, and stay tuned for tomorrow’s paid newsletter, where I’ll break down my tips for getting the best experience at Expo 2025—including how we avoided lines and got great view at the night shows.
Thanks for sharing this… unfortunately, I won’t get to Japan before the Expo ends, so it’s great to get this insight to some of the pavilions and details, through your eyes.
Congratulations on having your own exhibit on display! I'm sorry I missed it when I visited last month. I must have been close, though. While the iPS cell display was the most significant, my personal favorite was the Saudi Arabia exhibit because of its unique design and live DJ.