A delegation representing World Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai presented a progress report to the 168th General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), which took place on 29 June 2021 via videoconference. The report notably highlighted the acceleration in preparations since December 2020, when Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai was formally registered by the BIE.

Sadayuki Sakakibara, the Ambassador for Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, informed BIE Member States that following Registration, the Government of Japan adopted a basic policy on the Expo. This policy notably lays out the collaboration between the public and private sectors in Japan in the realisation of the Expo, and provides for the development of a “People’s Living Lab”, in which the Expo site will serve as a testing ground to demonstrate and experience new technologies.

　　Sadayuki Sakakibara, the Ambassador for Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai

In the same spirit, the Master Plan of the Expo site has been revealed, with Hiroyuki Ishige, the Secretary General of the Japan Association for Expo 2025, introducing the concept to the General Assembly. The site design, produced by architect Suo Fujimoto, is inspired by the concept of “Unity in Diversity” and features a main line of flow in the form of a large ring around which plazas will be located. Furthermore, the Expo’s thematic producers have developed ideas and projects in line with the Expo’s theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”.

　　Hiroyuki Ishige, the Secretary General of the Japan Association for Expo 2025

In terms of international participation, the delegation told Member States that invitation activities led by Shinji Inoue, the Minister responsible for Expo 2025 are being undertaken, with online meetings being held where physical meetings are not possible. So far, a total of 43 countries and 4 international organisations have announced their participation in the Expo, with countries encouraged to confirm participation as soon as possible so that pavilions can be prepared on time.

　　Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai Master Plan

The General Assembly was informed that work towards the promotion of the Expo is also gaining pace, with a series of public events and initiatives having been launched. The TEAM EXPO 2025 participatory programme is now bringing together people to address challenges, while the Junior Expo initiative invites children to give their ideas towards SDGs and the Expo. At Expo 2020 Dubai, Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai will be present within Japan’s pavilion, and will have the opportunity to invite visitors and international participants to take part in the designing of future society at the following World Expo.