The Signature Pavilion “Future of Life,” produced by Theme Producer ISHIGURO Hiroshi (Osaka University Professor and Visiting Director of ATR Hiroshi Ishiguro Laboratories) will host a special collaborative exhibition with the Italy Pavilion for one week, from Sunday, 7 September to Sunday, 14 September 2025.
The entrance to the Italy Pavilion houses a portrait of ITO Mancio, who was sent to Europe at the age of just 13 as part of the Tensho Embassy (Japan’s first diplomatic mission to Europe) in the 16th century to meet with the Pope. During this special collaboration, one of the android robots from the “Future of Life” will be dressed in a recreation of the period clothing from the portrait.
Portraying ITO Mancio, it will speak to visitors across time and space about the challenges and importance of international exchange.
This collaboration was the brainchild of Producer ISHIGURO, who has long had a close relationship with Italy through joint research and lectures, and Mario VATTANI (Commissioner General for Italy at Expo 2025 and Director of the Italy Pavilion), and will coincide with Italy Week (7-14 September).
We invite visitors to enjoy this collaboration between Japanese and Italian science, technology, and culture.
Special Collaboration Exhibition Details
Period: Sunday 7 September – Sunday 14 September 2025
Venue: Italy Pavilion Ground Floor Piazza (Italy Pavilion Core Zone)
* Photography of the exhibition will be permitted.
* The android exhibit can be viewed with regular admission to the Italy Pavilion.
Italy Pavilion
Signature Pavilion “Future of Life”
©FUTURE OF LIFE / EXPO2025
©FUTURE OF LIFE / EXPO2025
(Policy and Planning Bureau)