Adopting principles of sustainability and the circular economy, the Portuguese pavilion, designed by architect Kengo Kuma, adheres to environmental best practices in line with the central theme of the expo. “Ocean: The Blue Dialogue” connects with the legacy of Expo 98, reflecting Portugal’s historical ties with Japan and the country’s current leadership in maritime policy.
On the exterior, the structure of ropes and fishing nets achieves a dynamic visual effect that transforms and alters its appearance under the influence of wind and sun. Inside, the pavilion comprises a main exhibition space, a shop, a dining area promoting Portuguese cuisine, and a multipurpose space for various events. In keeping with the theme that structures Portugal’s participation at the Expo, the shop will focus on eco-friendly products made with natural Portuguese materials such as cork, burel, and wicker.
Portugal Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025 by Kengo Kuma. Photograph by Arch Exist.
Focusing its participation on the ocean and its preservation, Portugal proposed to the Osaka Expo organizers a deeper focus on SDG 14: “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources” as the primary goal, and SDG 7: “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all” as a secondary goal, thus ensuring alignment with issues related to the blue economy.
In this sense, the Portuguese proposal consists of two exhibition halls that seek to share knowledge and foster collaboration for a sustainable future through the ocean. “A country with a past, present, and future built on the ocean” inspires both exhibition spaces: one showcases the centuries-old relationship between Portugal and Japan, highlighting the value of the ocean as a central link; and the other focuses on the urgent need to protect the oceans, demonstrating Portuguese innovation and technological contributions to global sustainability.
Portugal Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025 by Kengo Kuma. Photograph courtesy by Kengo Kuma.
Knowledge Exchange
This section brings together a fusion of diverse artistic expressions, historical narratives, and oceanic knowledge. It delves into how Portugal and Japan’s mutual curiosity about the ocean, a connection forged nearly 500 years ago, continues to shape Portugal’s future. Visitors will discover important historical artifacts while interacting with interactive elements that explore the ocean as a vital resource. These exhibits highlight technological innovations with the potential to positively impact our lives.
Collaborating for a Sustainable Future
Designed to engage visitors in an immersive and interactive multimedia art experience, this section emphasizes the urgent need to protect the oceans. The exhibition invites participants on a journey that begins with current environmental challenges and culminates with “wonderful utopias” that inspire hope for a sustainable future. A unique five-minute multimedia work, created specifically for the 200 m² space, captures the essence of a vision where humanity and the ocean coexist sustainably. Through the use of mixed technologies, this experience transforms visitors into co-creators, inviting them to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about our collective future with the ocean.
Portugal Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025 by Kengo Kuma. Photograph courtesy by Portugal Expo 2025 Osaka.
The strategic location of the Portugal Pavilion, its dynamic composition, and the interplay of light and shadow created by the ropes and nets provide visitors with an extraordinary spectacle, acting as a “beacon” on the Expo 2025 Osaka site that invites the world to reflect on how its historic relationship with the ocean can inspire a sustainable and shared future.
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