The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition (hereinafter referred to as “the Association”), has developed the “Virtual Expo” as part of its efforts to provide an inclusive space where everyone can experience and enjoy the future at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. (hereinafter referred to as “the Expo”)
The Association, in collaboration with Kansai Innovation Centre, will launch the “Virtual Experience Support” service on 31 May 2025. Student volunteers will be dispatched to facilities outside the Expo Site to support those who “wish to visit the Expo but are unable to” with the aim of enabling them to experience an Expo that is enjoyable and accessible to everyone through the Virtual Expo.
The first event will be held on Saturday 31 May. The student volunteers will visit a nursing home to provide “Virtual Experience Support”.
We plan to continue providing support at various different facilities in the future.
■ About “Virtual Experience Support”
This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with “LET’S EXPO”, an accessible tourism project run by Kansai Innovation Center (hereinafter referred to as “MUIC Kansai”). It aims to enable people who cannot otherwise easily visit the Expo Site to participate in the Expo. It is hoped that experiencing the Expo 2025 Site using the Virtual Expo app, as well as a look back at the Japan World Exposition Osaka 1970 will increase the well-being of facility users.
■ Apply for “Virtual Experience Support”
Applications for “Virtual Experience Support” are being accepted via the website below:
https://www.lets-expo.jp/service-b (Japanese)
■ “Virtual Experience Support” Details
Period: Saturday 31 May to Monday 13 October 2025
Frequency: 1-2 times a week (planned)
Time: 13:00 – 15:30 (planned) (including preparation time)
Participation fee: Free
Please see the application site for further details:
https://www.lets-expo.jp/service-b
*Only corporations, organisations, and facilities can apply.
(For Reference)
■ About “LET’S EXPO”
“LET’S EXPO” is an accessible tourism project that enables people who cannot easily visit the Expo site to participate in the Expo. It is operated by MUIC Kansai, Tokyo Travel Partners Co., Ltd., and Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. We aim to solve the problems of those who want to go to the Expo but cannot, together with the people themselves, their families, and caregivers and welfare workers, and to create an Expo that everyone can enjoy. We aim to provide support and content to 350,000 people, or 3% of the approximately 12 million people with physical disabilities in Japan (those who have been certified as requiring nursing care or who have a disability certificate), and to help them enjoy Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan in both real and virtual ways.
“LET’S EXPO” website:
https://www.lets-expo.jp/ (Japanese)
■ Press Release
“Virtual EXPO 2025 JAPAN” App Available From 3 April!
https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/news/news-20250403-02/
The Virtual Expo is made possible by the support of the NTT Group, led by NTT DOCOMO INC. and NTT QONOQ INC. as platinum partners of the “Expo Virtual Site” Future Society Showcase Project.