A better tomorrow
Unlock previews the Expo 2025 Healthcare Pavilion, which aims to present a futuristic vision for health and wellness
Expo 2025 looks set to be the most wholesome world’s fair yet. Taking place from April to October next year on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka, this edition of the global exhibition will focus on life, health, and wellness under the theme “Designing future society for our lives.”
The pavilion is expected to present a vision of healthcare and quality of life in the near future
Aiming to bring the concept to, well, life is the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, which will host one of the most extensive exhibitions at the site. Run by the Osaka prefectural and city governments together with local universities, companies, and organizations, the pavilion is expected to present a vision of healthcare and quality of life in the near future while showcasing Osaka as a sustainable city with world-class expertise in the medical and life sciences.
Here’s a preview of the experiential journey through which visitors to the pavilion will get a sense—and maybe a taste, too—of a healthier future.
The pavilion is expected to present a vision of healthcare and quality of life in the near future
An artist’s impression of the atrium | Courtesy of Osaka Pavilion
Enter the future
Once you enter the pavilion, you’ll find yourself in the two-story structure’s central atrium. You may hear the sound of water flowing through the transparent roof above you, see sunlight streaming in, and even feel a gust of wind; the building has been designed to highlight the elements rather than separate you from them. Passing through the atrium, you’ll arrive at the Gate to the Future, an area filled with pods that scan visitors to provide them with a personal health record (PHR). Obtaining one here is key, as it’ll serve as the foundation for the rest of your experience.
“Passing through the atrium, you’ll arrive at the Gate to the Future, an area filled with pods that scan visitors to provide them with a personal health record”
An artist’s impression of the lift ride | Courtesy of Osaka Pavilion
Meet a new you
After getting your personal health record, you’ll board a futuristic elevator-style “lift ride” to the second floor. Here you’ll come face to face with your “future self”—an avatar generated based on the data gathered by the PHR pod. In line with the pavilion’s concept, “Reborn,” this likeness symbolizes new aspects of yourself that might emerge as you experience the exhibition.
“Here you’ll come face to face with your “future self”—an avatar generated based on the data gathered by the personal health record pod”
An artist’s impression of the future of food section | Courtesy of Osaka Pavilion
Enjoy personalized perks
In the next few exhibition sections, your PHR will be used to suggest practical solutions to various health-related issues. You may be presented with a menu of “future food” uniquely tailored to your health profile, or get to learn about medical innovations that might one day help you live better. You’ll also get to experience a city of the future through your digital self.
An artist’s impression of the future city area | Courtesy of Osaka Pavilion
Gaze at local stars
Back at the atrium, you’ll meet the people and companies building Osaka’s future. This section will highlight cutting-edge technology and solutions developed by local SMEs and startups in the run-up to the Expo.
“Your journey will end on a delicious note, as the pavilion’s last section is dedicated to the past, present, and future of Osaka’s renowned food culture”
An artist’s impression of the Osaka food culture area | Courtesy of Expo 2025 Osaka Pavilion Promotion Committee
Finish off with a taste of Osaka
Your journey will end on a delicious note, as the pavilion’s last section is dedicated to the past, present, and future of Osaka’s renowned food culture. The culinary capital of Japan for centuries and a world-famous street food wonderland, this is a city with an incredible appetite that offers mouthwatering options for every palate. Once you’ve had your fill of local flavors, don’t forget to check out the open-air area next to the pavilion, where you’ll be able to watch extended-reality theater and other futuristic forms of entertainment.