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The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition (hereinafter referred to as “the Association”) is pleased to announce that the “Grand Ring”, the symbol of “Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan (hereinafter referred to as “the Expo”) has been recognised by Guinness World Records on Tuesday, 4 March 2025 as the largest wooden architectural structure in the world.
Construction on the Grand Ring, began on 30 June 2023 at the Expo site, which will open on 13 April 2025, and the wooden structure was completed in August 2024. As a symbol of the Expo site, the Grand Ring represents the venue’s design philosophy of “Unity in Diversity” and will welcome many visitors from home and abroad during the Expo period.
The Association has always deemed the Grand Ring to be one of the main attractions of the Expo and has actively promoted it. Moving forward, the Association intends to use the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title to promote the attraction of the Grand Ring to more people all over the world and help build momentum for the Expo. A plaque commemorating the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title will be installed at the venue during the Expo period.
The total circumference of the Grand Ring is approximately 2,025 m*. With a building area of 61,035.55 m2, it has been recognised as the world’s largest wooden structure.
* When the circumference is measured at the 15 m point at the centre of the large roof ring’s width (30 m).
■ Details of the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS Certification
・RECORD title: The largest wooden architectural structure
・RECORD holder: The Grand Ring (Yumeshima in Osaka, Japan)
・Recognised Area: 61,035.55 m2
■ About the Grand Ring
Constructed using a combination of modern construction methods and traditional “nuki” joints 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)
■ GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS Presentation Ceremony for the Grand Ring at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan
・Time and Date: 10:00, Tuesday 4 March 2025
・Location: the Expo Site
From the left: Guinness World Records Official Adjudicator, ISHIGE Hiroyuki (Secretary General of the Association), FUJIMOTO Sou (Expo Site Design Producer)
For Reference:
Overview of the Grand Ring (Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Official Website)
Link: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/expo-map-index/main-facilities/grandring/
(Enquiries)
Global Communication Department, Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition
Email: globalpr@expo2025.or.jp