What's New

The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition (hereinafter referred to as “the Association”) is pleased to announce that Special Supporter AOKI Munetaka, who is lending his support to promotional activities, has created and present two large-scale artworks using surplus materials from Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan (hereinafter referred to as “the Expo”).

The two works will be open to the general public from Sunday, 13 April 2025, the opening day of the Expo, at two locations: the EXPO 2025 Maru Bldg. Bus Terminal and Keihan Railway Nakanoshima Station.

A making-of video has also been produced, including an interview with AOKI, in which he talks about his impressions of the Grand Ring at the Yumeshima site, the production process in his studio in Kitakagaya, Osaka, while dealing with the theme of the Expo, and his thoughts on his work.

■ About the Artwork
　Artist: AOKI Munetaka (Special Supporter of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan)
　Wooden objet d’art made from leftover wood from the symbolic Grand Ring of the Expo site.
　On display from: 13 April, 2025

▽「平」(flat, even, peace)
　Location: Artwork display corner (outside ticket gates), Keihan Railway Nakanoshima Station
　(Address: 5-3-50 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka)

▽ 「和」(harmony, Japan, peace)
　Location: EXPO2025 Maru Bldg. Bus Terminal Waiting Room
　(Address: 1-9-20 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka)

■ Making-of Video
　“Co-Creation Art Project of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Baton of Peace for the Future”
　A short documentary film on the making of the artwork by AOKI Munetaka
*This video is available on the Expo’s YouTube channel. You can also post the link on social media.
Official Youtube channel of the Expo:　https://youtu.be/B6u7aOMALSo

(Bio of AOKI Munetaka)
AOKI Munetaka is an actor and artist who was born in Yao City. He gained attention in 2007 when he appeared in the NHK TV drama series “Chiritotechin.” He has also appeared in the NHK Taiga historical dramas “RYOMADEN”, “Taira no Kiyomori”, “Segodon”, and “The 13 Lords of the Shogun”. Recently he stared in movies, including the US Academy Award-winning “Godzilla -1.0”, the Korean blockbuster “THE ROUNDUP: NO WAY OUT”, and “Missing”, as well as dramas such as Amazon Prime Video “Like a Dragon: Yakuza”, Hulu original series “The Decagon House Murders”, WOWOW’s “Fence,” and NHK’s “30,000,000”.
In addition to acting, he is also active in painting, design, and art.

Comment from AOKI Munetaka
It gives me great pleasure to be able to participate as an artist in the Expo, which has been handed down by so many people around the world. I used leftover materials from the construction of the Expo site.
When you look closely at them, they all have a rich variety of expression. By carefully assembling them,  they have become warm, endearing works of art. I am very happy if visitors can see, feel, enjoy, and connect with them.

(For reference)
■ What is a “Special Supporter”?
Special Supporters are a group of supporters of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, made up of people, groups, characters, etc. with many fans that can use their influence to convey the appeal and philosophy of the Expo.
The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition will continue to increase the number of people interested in the Expo by having various people join as Special Supporters.

(Enquiries)
Global Communications Department, Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition
Email: globalpr@expo2025.or.jp