Internship Vacancies
Member since: 08 Jan 1965
Japan is a founding member of the BIE, and the country has successfully organised five Expos under the auspices of the Organisation. In 1970, Osaka Prefecture hosted Asia’s first World Expo, attracting over 64 million visitors, making it the most visited Expo of the 20th century. Since then, Japan has organised a second World Expo in Aichi in 2005, two Specialised Expos – in Okinawa in 1975 and in Tsukuba in 1985 – as well as a Horticultural Expo in Osaka in 1990. In 2018, Japan was elected by BIE Member States to organise World Expo 2025 in Osaka.
Expo 1970 Osaka
Expo 2005 Aichi
Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai
Expo 1975 Okinawa
Expo 1985 Tsukuba
Expo 1990 Osaka
Expo 2027 Yokohama
Pavilion typeSelf-Built Pavilion
ThemeWhere Ideas Meet
Architect(s)Yuko Nagayama and NTT Facilities
Size (m2)5,161
LocationAl Forsan
AwardGold – Exhibition Design – pavilions larger than 2,500m2
ThemeSmart Mix with Technology
Size (m2)950.10
National Day22 Jul 2017
Japan’s pavilion at Expo 2017 Astana was centred around the theme “Smart Mix With Technology.” This theme conveyed the message that achieving a stable energy supply at a low cost is possible, all while ensuring safety and environmental conservation. Featuring a red dot from which three waves emanate, the pavilion’s logo symbolised the theme. The three colours represented conventional energy, renewable energy, and energy of the future, with the overlapping signifying the energy mix, at the heart of the concept.
The country’s lack of energy resources and rapid economic development resulted in the “all-Japan spirit of challenge”, which constituted the thread of the pavilion’s displays. In addressing this challenge, the country has been working to promote energy conservation, to reduce CO2 emissions, and to introduce new forms of energy. This approach was summed up by a 3E+S formula: embodying energy security (E), a low-cost energy supply through economic efficiency (E), adapting to the environment (E), with an overarching assumption of safety (S).
Split into three zones, the pavilion took visitors on a journey through Japan’s relationship with energy, from its rapid development and reliance on energy imports to the ways that Japanese innovations are shaping future energy. Besides, visitors equipped with a smartphone were able to download the official app to benefit from experiential content directly linked to the audiovisual displays.
The first zone, “Japan Experience”, informed visitors about the country’s energy challenges and how they have been resolved up until today, using a combination of visual displays and multimedia presentations drawing attention to the necessity of energy innovations. The second zone, entitled “To the Future of Energy in 20XX”, featured a film presenting the latest technologies and developments in Japan shaping Future Energy, including fuel made from seaweed that could be able to power aircraft. “Japan Showcase”, the final zone, offered a range of interactive exhibits, including games and Virtual Reality, that allowed visitors to discover more about reducing CO2 emissions, minimising energy consumption and energy storage.
ThemeHarmonious Diversity
Architect(s)Atsushi Kitagawara
Size (m2)4,170
AwardGold - "Interior and Exhibition Design" category - pavilions larger than 2,000m²
National Day11 Jul 2015
ThemeThe Future of Japan and the Sea
Size (m2)1,000
LocationPacific Ocean Cluster
AwardBronze - "Theme Development" Category - pavilions larger than 750 m2
National Day02 Jun 2012
ThemeWa: Harmony of Hearts, Harmony of Arts
Architect(s)Designboom Architecture
Size (m2)6,000
LocationZone A
AwardSilver - "Creative Display" category - Pavilions Category A
National Day12 Jun 2010
ThemeTechnology and Tradition United by Water
LocationEdificio Sol
AwardGold - "Design" Category - pavilions larger than 750 m2
National Day21 Jul 2008
ThemeThe Japan experience: Redefining wealth from 20th to 21th centuries; rekindling the relationship between mankind and nature
Size (m2)8,029
LocationJapan Zone
National Day06 Jun 2005
ThemeA pavilion made of recycled paper
Architect(s)Shigeru Ban
Size (m2)5,450
LocationPavilion West
National Day25 Jul 2000