FOCUS: Osaka Expo Resources Find New Life across Japan

Tokyo, May 20 (Jiji Press)–More than six months after the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka closed, buildings, artworks, construction materials and equipment from the western Japan city venue are being repurposed in communities across the country. The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition invited requests for the transfer of such resources, either for a fee or free of charge, in an effort to match supply with demand. In line with its principle of sustainable Expo operations, the association hopes to encourage the effective reuse of materials and assets from the event. The initiative is also expected to help support regional revitalization in many parts of Japan. Disaster Areas in Noto Peninsula The 2025 Expo was held over six months through Oct. 13 on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay. The Grand Ring, the symbol of the Expo site, is being dismantled, with only a portion set to be preserved on site. Wood from the iconic structure–recognized as the world’s largest wooden architectural work, with a circumference of about 2 kilometers–is beginning a second life across Japan. So far, about 4,000 cubic meters of lumber have been allocated for transfers to local governments, private-sector companies and other organizations. According to the Expo association, the material will be put to use at more than 60 locations in 20 prefectures. A major portion of that wood, about 1,200 cubic meters, will be used in Suzu, Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, to build 40 units of public housing as part of a disaster reconstruction project. The city was severely affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake and subsequent heavy rains. According to the Suzu city government, the lumber will be provided free of charge. While transportation and related costs remain a challenge, the city applied for the reuse program with support from architects and companies involved in reconstruction efforts. Construction of the public housing is scheduled to begin later this year, with residents expected to move in during the next fiscal year, which starts in April 2027. “We hope these Expo (resources) will prompt people to once again take an interest in disaster-hit municipalities,” a city official said. “We also hope they will give local residents a sense of hope as they look toward the future.” Grand Ring wood will also be used in other high-profile projects. In 2027, some of the wood will be incorporated into a roughly-60-meter-tall wooden tower at the International Horticultural Expo in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan. The tower is expected to become one of the event’s landmarks. Meanwhile, Osaka Prefecture plans to install benches made from processed Grand Ring lumber at four prefectural natural parks. Officials hope the benches will serve as a familiar and lasting reminder of the Expo for both residents and visitors. Exhibition Facilities and Services The relocation of Expo pavilions has also started. Since last month, work has been underway at a municipal park in Izumisano, Osaka, to reconstruct the Signature Pavilion created for the Expo by Japanese movie director Naomi Kawase. Titled “Dialogue Theater–sign of life–,” the pavilion was assembled with lumber from former school buildings dating back to the Showa era (1926-1989). The city hopes the relocated pavilion will serve as “a place that fosters communication and cultural exchange,” an official said. Izumisano plans to open it in fiscal 2028 as a venue for experiential learning and events. The municipal government is also seeking to acquire the life-size Gundam statue from the popular anime “Mobile Suit Gundam” that was displayed at the Expo pavilion of Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. Officials hope to install the statue at or near a major railway station to attract visitors, including international travelers arriving at Kansai International Airport. In a related development, advanced technology showcased at the Expo has already been put to commercial use. The Body Measuring Pod, a health data measurement service exhibited at the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, went into commercial operation in November 2025. The pavilion was operated by Osaka Prefecture and the city of Osaka. According to West Japan Railway Co., or JR West, about 18,260 people had used Body Measuring Pods installed at four stations in the prefecture, including Osaka Station, as of late April this year. The two local governments plan to expand the service by installing the pods in office buildings and other workplaces while also promoting health information in partnership with health care-related businesses. “We hope to achieve sustainable business development as part of the Expo’s legacy,” an official said. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]