Over 150 countries and organizations are participating in Expo 2025, Osaka. I’ve seen so much already this week, so in this article I’m focusing on my favorite pavilion so far. Keep reading for a truly unique photo-walk!
Hello from Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, where I’m covering cutting-edge concepts and innovations for Gadget Flow! Set on the manmade island of Yumeshima, the grounds are expansive—imagine Disney World with a global, techy twist. Around every corner, there’s something interesting to see: human washing machines, futuristic houses, even an IPS heart! Meanwhile, the pavilions showcase the best of each country.
With so much to explore, I decided not to walk you through every pavilion but to focus on my favorite so far—plus a couple of close runner-ups. After a tough call, Taiwan’s Tech World pavilion took the top spot, thanks to its blend of design and technology.
What to Expect at Taiwan’s Tech World Pavilion
As the world’s largest semiconductor producer, Taiwan has tech running through its figurative veins. It’s no surprise, then, that Taiwan’s tech dominance is the driving theme of the country’s Expo 2025 pavilion. The exhibits are impressive—imagine a digitized tree surrounded by a garden of tablets that move in synchronization with music.
Credit: Japan FORWARD
Then, there’s the design theme, “Mountains of the Heart.” Taiwan is one of the world’ most mountainous countries, and the topography is a major influence on the exhibit. The building itself echos Taiwan’s rugged ranges, its peaks and curves symbolizing both the island’s natural beauty and its people’s resilience. Inside, the theme continues with flowing structures and an atmosphere that feels almost like stepping into a digital landscape. It’s a striking balance between Taiwan’s breathtaking environment and its tech-driven future.
Credit: Lauren Wadowsky, Gadget Flow
The nature theme continues throughout the exhibition. Here’s a snapshot of a video during the event—about nature’s importance to Taiwanese culture. I’ve never been to Taiwan, but the sharp, detailed images and steam-based special effects make me feel like I’m actually there. I can walk through mountain mist, or feel a rain shower on my face. It’s all so beautiful, a location I’d love to see in real life.
Credit: Lauren Wadowsky, Gadget Flow
So, the pavilion’s overall idea is that technology—powered by Taiwan’s world-leading chips—can bring us closer to nature. It doesn’t replace the natural world, but it helps us experience it in new ways. The transparent display below is a perfect example: it projects lush, moving imagery while still letting you see through it, almost like a digital window.
Credit: Lauren Wadowsky, Gadget Flow
Along with that, tech can enrich our lives, by bringing priceless works of art into our homes. The ultra-realistic displays below don’t just display artwork. With their advanced AI, they bring artwork to life—an oil painting of a warrior’s mask tilts to the side, then transforms into a period scene. It’s a creative take on an classic work of art, making it interesting for modern times.
Credit: Lauren Wadowsky, Gadget Flow
Tech World also reminded me that technology can be just as artistic as it is functional. One of the standout pieces was an installation made up of hundreds of tiny displays, each one showcasing a different type of microchip. Together, they formed a shimmering mosaic that shifted and pulsed with light, almost like a digital tapestry. It was a reminder that even the building blocks of modern tech can be a form of creative expression.
Credit: Lauren Wadowsky, Gadget FlowRunners up
All the pavilions at Expo 2025 are impressive in their own way, but a couple have especially captured my heart over the past few days.
Credit: Lauren Wadowsky, Gadget Flow
The Osaka Metropolitan University’s Expo 2025 pavilion is the world’s largest building wrapped in Jacquard fabric, and the largest room in the shape of a fan. They’re singular superlatives—and this building totally deserves them. Inside are future-forward exhibits: a wellness smart house, future house design exhibits, and a gigantic future city diorama—stuff that makes me feel positive about the year 2025, and beyond.
Credit: Lauren Wadowsky, Gadget Flow
While it’s not exactly a pavilion, the Expo 2025 Grand Ring is a structure I’ve fallen in love with this week. Currently the largest-standing wooden structure in the world, it surrounds the exhibition site, facilitating event traffic. The construction includes both modern and traditional building techniques, like the Nuki joints used in Japanese shines and temples. Over the past few days, it has been a welcome respite from the Osakan summer heat with a lovely upper walking trail. I want one for my city!
Last Thoughts
For tech enthusiasts like me, Taiwan’s Tech World has a bit of everything: cutting-edge design, immersive experiences, gorgeous imagery, and real-world applications. For these reasons, it’s my favorite pavilion at Expo 2025…so far. I have a few more pavilions on my list, which I’ll visit in the coming days. I’ll share those with you soon!
Lauren has been writing and editing since 2008. She loves working with text and helping writers find their voice. When she’s not typing away at her computer, she cooks and travels with her husband and two daughters.
AloJapan.com