The Expo Association aims to reuse about 20% of the 84 pavilions, but so far, only a few projects have confirmed relocation. Among the most notable efforts is the “Blue Ocean Dome,” a pavilion designed with future reuse in mind. Other examples include Uzbekistan’s plan to repurpose pavilion materials back home and Pasona’s cutting-edge exhibit, which will move to Awaji Island.
Central to the legacy discussion is the fate of the “Grand Roof Ring,” a major symbol of the site. Part of this structure is expected to remain as a feature within a municipal park, preserving its presence for years to come.
Looking back, the 1970 Osaka Expo offers valuable lessons. Its iconic Tower of the Sun, once slated for demolition, was preserved thanks to a schoolboy’s heartfelt plea. The tower later earned designation as a national cultural property. Even former pavilions, like Cambodia’s, have been repurposed into community centers, demonstrating how Expo structures can gain new life in everyday use.
For many, the legacy extends beyond architecture. It is reflected in the inspiration the Expo provides—from young people developing a global outlook to children pursuing careers in engineering after visiting exhibits.
As Professor Hashi of Osaka Metropolitan University puts it, legacy should not be seen as a relic of the past, but as something that continues to shape the future. The true measure of Osaka 2025’s success, he says, will be how deeply it embeds itself into society—not just as a memory of a spectacular event, but as a catalyst for the next generation.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147281.php
