Country pavilions are always a major draw at World Expos, and Expo 2025 Osaka will be no exception. They serve as immersive showcases of national identity, culture, and innovation, all while being full of architectural ingenuity. The full list of country pavilions can be found on the offical Expo website here, but these are five that we have our eye on.
Australia
Australia has their own history with World Expos, hosting the event twice—in Melbourne in 1880 and Brisbane in 1988—with both iterations leaving lasting legacies. The Brisbane Expo '88, themed "Leisure in the Age of Technology," demonstrated Australia's ability to embrace global challenges while offering memorable cultural experiences. It featured interactive exhibits and cultural performances, setting a high bar for future Australian representations at Expos.
For the Osaka Expo 2025 event, the Australian Pavilion is taking on the theme of "Chasing the Sun." The building itself is the work of Australian design firm Buchan, and draws inspiration from eucalyptus gumnuts in an abstract way.
Singapore
From the country often nicknamed as the "little red dot" thanks to the way it appears on maps, Singapore has opted for a big red dot—named the Dream Sphere—to represent their country at the event. Coming in at 17 meters in height, the Dream Sphere's exterior is made up of numerous recycled red discs, adding an eco-friendly element to the design.
Portugal
Designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates, the Portugal Pavilion already has some buzz about it in Japan because of the big name behind it. Kuma is known as the mastermind behind various high profile architectural pieces across the country, including the likes of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic National Stadium, the Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center, and the Toyama Glass Art Museum.
The Portugal Pavilion centers around the theme “Ocean, the Blue Dialogue,” reflecting the country’s deep, historical, and cultural ties to the water. The overall concept will explore two key Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 14 (conserving and sustainably using the oceans and marine resources) and SDG 7 (ensuring access to reliable and sustainable energy).
Nordic Countries
The Nordic Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka brings together five countries—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland—in a collaborative effort to strengthen their ties with Japan and enhance partnerships with Japanese businesses. This shared pavilion, designed by Italian-based Rimond Architects, stands as a symbol of Nordic unity and sustainability.
Spanning 1200 square meters and reaching a height of 17 meters, the pavilion is constructed using wood, showcasing the Nordic region's commitment to eco-friendly materials and design principles. Inside, visitors will experience a joint exhibition that highlights the cultural, technological, and environmental achievements of the Nordic countries. In addition to the exhibition space, the pavilion includes a shop offering Nordic goods, a cafe located on the rooftop terrace with panoramic views, and versatile conference and meeting rooms for business discussions and collaborations.
Qatar
The Qatar Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is also designed by Kengo Kuma, drawing inspiration from Qatar's traditional dhow boats and Japan's intricate wooden joinery. This unique design symbolizes the deep-rooted connections between the two nations, both of which have long relied on the sea as a vital source of trade and resources.
The pavilion offers visitors a journey through the significance of Qatar's coastal areas, highlighting their historical importance while also showcasing their role in shaping the nation's modern identity. By blending tradition with innovation, the Qatar Pavilion provides a window into the country's rich maritime heritage and its vision for a sustainable future.
