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The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition (hereinafter referred to as “the Association”) is pleased to announce that the symbol of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan (hereinafter referred to as “the Expo”) site, the “Grand Ring”, which will be the largest World’s Largest Wooden Architectural Structure, has been completed and handed over to the Association from the construction company on Friday 28 February 2025. (*Handover will occur around 16:00 on the same day.)
The “Grand Ring”, the world’s largest wooden architectural structure, was conceived by architect and Expo Site Design Producer FUJIMOTO Sou, and is a symbol of the Expo site, representing the venue’s design philosophy of “Unity in Diversity”. Construction on the Grand Ring began on 30 June 2023 at the Expo site, and the approximately 2km circumference was completed on 21 August, 2024.
Constructed using a combination of modern construction methods and traditional “nuki” joints, which are used in the construction of Japanese shrines and temples, the Grand Ring will serve as the main route of flow around the venue, providing smooth movement of crowds as well as a comfortable space for visitors to stay out of the rain, wind, and sun.
From the rooftop of the Grand Ring the entire venue can be viewed from various points, and if they look outside the ring, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Expo site surrounded by sea and sky including the rich nature of the Seto Inland Sea, the spectacle of the setting sun, and the city of Osaka.
・Building Area: 61,035.55 m2
・Inner Diameter: Approx. 615m Outer Diameter: Approx. 675m
・Total Circumference: Approx. 2 km
・Width: Approx. 30 m
・Height: Approx. 12 m (Outer Height: 20 m)* Height of Skywalk where visitors can walk.
・Timber used: 70% domestic timber (cedar, cypress), 30% foreign timber (Scots Pine)