Designed by Nikken Sekkei, the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka develops from the theme “Between Lives.” As it were, the cycle of transformation that occurs throughout life-be that in plants, animals, or societies-requires that as life forms come to the end of one role, they transition easily into another and thus pass on essential elements of their existence.
“It’s not just us. When an animal or plant, a thing, even a whole society, nears to the end of its role, part of it is carried on, transforming, taking on a new role. We all live through these connections. Take a look at this space between lives and you’ll see that the world is made up of countless, tiny cyclical loops.” stated at official website.
Japan Pavilion at Expo 2025 would call for contemplation from each visitor as to the value and meaning of life in its many dimensions. It was also aligned with Japan’s deep connection to nature and their awareness of aesthetics, key to understanding such cycles.
Also, the architectural design for this pavilion became a circular structure in CLT as a symbol to be given to continuity and transition. Later, the timber from Japanese cedars will be recovered for reuse in building projects, continuing in sustainable development beyond the Expo.
Among the many outstanding features of Japan Pavilion at Expo 2025, there is a “living” structure with a biogas system that renews waste into energy-a symbolic renewing.
The conversion process itself is open to viewing by visitors and, therefore, symbolizes one of the major messages of the Pavilion: regeneration and sustainability. Inside the Pavilion, there are three zones through which the guests take circular journeys, further explaining the unbroken cycles in life.
