When you think of the Japan Pavilion, what comes to mind?
A circular building surrounded by wooden planks? A rock from Mars? Honorary Director FUJIWARA Norika?
There’s so much more to the Japan Pavilion! So in this post we’ve taken a deeper look. Check out our tips on how to get the most out of the experience, and then go visit the Japan Pavilion!
The Japan Pavilion is the largest at this year’s Expo. Its vast grounds (approximately 12,950 m²) are large enough to fit a baseball field, and the theme of the pavilion, “Between Lives,” is present throughout the space.
All living things, as well as the things and systems created by humans, are imbued with life. When each one fulfills its role, it is passed on to something else, changing form and taking on a new role… The Japan Pavilion focuses on this cycle of life. Inside and outside the pavilion, each visitor is also part of this cycle. Through viewing the exhibits, visitors become aware of their own links to the various activities of life.
What really catches the eye about the architecture is the wooden planks. Made from thinned wood, they are called CLT (cross-laminated timber), and 560 pieces are used in 280 sets for the interior and exterior walls. By arranging them diagonally in a circular pattern, they embody the “relay of life” and “circulation of life.” As the building is planned to be reused after the Expo is over, the pavilion’s architecture was designed to avoid damaging the planks as much as possible and to make dismantling easier.
The Japan Pavilion is made up of three areas that form a large circle. We’ve picked out some of the highlights of the pavilion, which is packed with the latest technology, the mysteries of the universe, and rediscovering the culture that Japan has cultivated, all of which are based on the idea of learning from the past and creating something new.
What we want you to focus on in this area is the workings of microorganisms.
The popular bear-shaped toy, BE@RBRICK, expresses the idea that the food waste collected from the Expo site is not something that can be thrown away or its final form.
After experiencing the process of how waste is transformed into water and energy at the biogas plant attached to the Japan Pavilion, you will emerge at the water basin located in the heart of the Japan Pavilion. What’s more, one of the world’s largest Mars rocks awaits you. Be sure to pick up a “Mars Rock Viewing Certificate”* at the exit of the area as a memento of your visit! *Certificates will be distributed while supplies last.
A basin filled with water reclaimed from garbage. The view when it is lit up after dark is also beautful.
Modern society faces the challenges of dependence on fossil resources and food shortages. Algae is gaining attention as a potential solution to these issues. The exhibit explores the diverse possibilities of algae. Don’t miss the popular Hello Kitty display! 32 different versions of Hello Kitty represent both seaweed familiar in Japan, such as wakame and hijiki, and species that can only be seen under a microscope. Finding your favorite Hello Kitty will make you feel closer to algae♪
The theme of this area is “things” and “manufacturing.”
As you walk through the area, you’ll come across a corner dedicated to Japanese manufacturing, which has a long history of focusing on “soft” production. Doraemon (one of Japan’s most treasured anime characters) will be your guide to the area, providing laid-back and humorous explanations of the exhibits. You can find hints for a sustainable society in the exhibits, which are filled with the mottainai spirit, a traditional way of thinking that values cherishing things.
Also, don’t miss the ephemeral art created by water dripping onto a diatomaceous earth canvas!
The Japan Pavilion is also known as the “Garbage-Eating Japan Pavilion” and the “Living Pavilion.” The reason for this is its biogas plant. Food waste collected from within the Expo site is broken down using the power of microorganisms and converted into water for the basin and biogas. This biogas is used to generate electricity, which contributes to the Japan Pavilion’s electricity supply.
The Biogas Plant is normally closed to the public, but did you know that tours* are available? Don’t miss this chance to see the equipment up close while listening to a guided tour by the plant’s architect!
*To participate in a tour, you must purchase an admission ticket and make a reservation in advance via the reservation website. Please check the reservation website for availability.
⇨For more information on Biogas Plant tours, click here. (Japanese)
The Japan Pavilion’s official website is packed with information! Taking a look before your visit will help you understand the exhibits better. You can also look at them again online after viewing them in person and reminisce.
– “The Japan Pavilion: A Guide” lets you learn about the technology behind the exhibits and the thoughts and ideas that went into them.
– The Japan Pavilion’s official web magazine has 12 issues in total. Reading articles that delve deeply into the themes of the Japan Pavilion may change your perspective on the exhibits.
– “KONNICHIWA” is a newsletter by Japan Pavilion General Producer SATO Oki. It humorously shares behind-the-scenes stories from the preparations for the opening and his thoughts after the opening.
⇨ The Japan Pavilion: A Guide
⇨ Japan Pavilion Magazine
⇨ KONNICHIWA
To enjoy the many highlights of the Japan Pavilion even more, we recommend using the audio guide.
– Bring your smartphone and headphones when you visit.
– Access the audio guide using the QR codes located inside and outside the pavilion (you can also use the museum’s dedicated Wi-Fi).
– You can also enjoy the content in the audio guide through the text included with the audio guide.
The text that accompanies the exhibits is compact yet impactful. It sometimes include puns, and speaks to visitors in a relatable tone.
– In addition to the text at displays, be sure to check out the messages in the toilets and at the foot of the stools too!
Visitors are greeted in each area by staff dressed in uniforms based on the design of kimono. In addition to welcoming and seeing visitors off within the pavilion, they also act as guides for Preview Tours, providing a firsthand experience of the friendly hospitality of the Japan Pavilion!
– Have fun interacting with the staff!
– Pay attention to the uniforms, designed with the theme of “Embodying Japanese Aesthetics”.
You can gain a deeper understanding of the exhibits by taking part in one of the tours held periodically. Tickets for the “Japan Pavilion Design Tour with the Architect” are sold out, but you can still participate in the aforementioned “Biogas Plant Tour” and the “Preview Tour,” which involves walking around the perimeter of the Japan Pavilion with staff and learning some basic information about the Japan Pavilion*.
*Tour information current as of mid-August 2025
・To participate in the Preview Tour, you will need a participation ticket. These tickets are distributed in front of the Japan Pavilion immediately after the doors open on the day of the tour.
⇨For more information on Preview Tours, click here.
The Japan Pavilion is overflowing with the wonder of the circle of life. Given the success it has had with visitors every day, it is likely to remain popular in the second half of the Expo. If you are interested visiting, or would like to visit again and relive that same moving experience once more, we recommend making a reservation early or taking advantage of the times when reservations are not required* to visit.
*From 9:25 and 19:00. Reception closes when capacity is reached
In [Japan Pavilion – Part 2], we feature Japan Pavilion General Producer SATO Oki!
What does “circulation” mean to SATO, who works all over the world? What does Japan mean to him?
Stay tuned for the interview, which will reveal a different side to the Japan Pavilion’s allure!