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CG map of the Japan Pavilion
The Japan Pavilion:
A Guide
Join the endless journey along the ‘cycle’.
Discover the Plant Area, Farm Area, and
Factory Area.
The dreams that drive them,
and the technologies that make them work.
This guide will deepen your understanding of the
Japan Pavilion before and after your visit.
Each pavilion has its own unique stamp waiting for you. Grab your official stamp passport and take a tour around the venue—a journey to remember, one stamp at a time.
Tap-tap on the handprint, and your touch is transmitted to someone far away. That’s why it’s not a telephone—it’s Denwa, or ‘transmission talk.’ Your connection reaches all the way to Kansai International Airport, where your message might be received by a traveller from overseas.
No words, just warmth—a gentle touch from the heart. Kindness, too, is something we can keep passing on.
With generous silhouettes that echo the elegance of the kimono, these uniforms embody both function and beauty.
Graceful and approachable, the attendants who wear them gently welcome each visitor to the Japan Pavilion.
A unified look with room for individuality
The attendants of the Japan Pavilion come from diverse backgrounds—nationalities, ages, cultures—and the uniform is designed to reflect that spirit. While maintaining ease of movement and instant recognisability, the design also respects and highlights the individuality of each person who wears it.
It’s a new kind of uniform—one that represents the Japan Pavilion’s ideals and allows the wearer's personality to shine through. Notice, too, the subtle Japanese aesthetics expressed through the attendants’ manner and presence.
Embodying Japanese Aesthetics: The Heart and Craft Behind the Uniform
A timeless idea: the monomaterial garment
What if furniture were created not just to be used, but to be used again?
Here, each item is built with its next purpose already in mind—easy to dismantle, easy to repurpose. As you take in the exhibits on life’s cycles, take a moment to consider how the very objects around you are part of that same cycle.
Algae stools that can be crushed, reformed, and reused
Benches and signboards made from CLT
Here, behind the scenes of the Japan Pavilion, food waste from the Expo site is being broken down by the power of microorganisms—transformed into water and biogas.
The biogas is then used to generate electricity, which in turn powers the plant itself. It’s a quiet process, but one that fuels the entire cycle.
From food waste to energy—powering the Pavilion from within
Tiny tank dwellers, doing mighty work
No fixed ‘entrance’ or ‘exit’. No clear boundary between ‘inside’ and ‘outside.’ The Japan Pavilion dissolves such divisions.
Its very design expresses the essence of a cycle, a world where beginnings and endings do not exist. And when the Expo ends, the Pavilion itself will continue the cycle, transformed into new life.
What does it mean to circulate? Step into the cycle and find out
The Japan Pavilion is made up of three areas—Plant, Farm, and Factory—each with its own entrance. No matter where you begin, the journey leads you to a deeper understanding of the cycle.
Your entry and exit points shape your path and perspective, but in the end, all stories return to the same truth: a cycle has no start or finish. Even walking one full circle around the Pavilion becomes an act of regeneration in itself.
CLT: A symbol of transformation
The inner and outer walls of the Japan Pavilion are made from Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT). In total, 280 sets—560 panels—are used throughout the structure. After the Expo, these panels will be dismantled and reused by partner organisations and municipalities. To make that possible, they have been left in their simple, rectangular form, with minimal processing. Easy to take apart. Easy to give new life.
Arranged in a ring around the Pavilion, these CLT panels visually express the ongoing cycle of life.
Gaps between the panels create soft boundaries between indoors and out—spaces where sound, light, and the presence of people mingle freely, blurring the line between the Pavilion and its surroundings, and fostering a sense of connection among the exhibits.
A universal space for a shared experience
Factory-05
After journeying through the three zones of the Japan Pavilion, the story of the cycle continues—this time, in your own life.
Here you’ll find a shop offering exclusive original goods, alongside a showcase of prototype products that could soon become part of your everyday routine.
The cycle continues—now in your hands
A glimpse of future craftsmanship—just beyond the glass
Factory-04
This fossilised canvas was once alive, composed of algae that thrived in ancient seas. As water drips silently onto its surface, it leaves behind marks—brief glimpses of life, appearing only to fade again into the passage of time. Flashes of birth and death so fleeting, you may even forget to blink.
Fleetingness as beauty—lines drawn in living time
The invisible force behind photosynthesis: the diatom
Diatomaceous earth is formed from the fossilised remains of diatoms—microscopic algae that once lived in oceans and lakes.
Today, diatoms still inhabit rivers, ponds, and moist rocks and soil. Tiny and invisible to the naked eye, they nonetheless account for around 20% of all photosynthesis on Earth—a quiet force sustaining ecosystems across the globe. Each diatom builds a delicate glass-like shell.
When it dies, the shell remains—and over time, countless shells accumulate to form diatomaceous earth. The life of these ancient algae continues even now, in the material’s unique properties, woven into the fabric of our daily lives.
A quiet companion to Japanese culture
Factory-03H
Even a structure as vast as the Japan Pavilion is designed with the cycle in mind—down to the finest detail.
Its walls are made from Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) sourced from forest thinning. A construction method with minimal processing has been chosen so the building can be easily dismantled and reused after the Expo.
But it’s not just the architecture.
The attendants’ uniforms are made from recyclable materials. The cardboard packaging used in the shop folds neatly for efficient recycling. The stools, composed of three interlocking seats, are made from resin and algae and designed for disassembly and reuse.
Every element of the Japan Pavilion is already taking its next step—towards being part of something new.
Factory-03G
Have you ever heard of Shikinen Sengu? It is a sacred ritual held at the Grand Shrine of Ise (Ise Jingu) every 20 years. Each time, the shrine buildings are completely rebuilt, and the sacred treasures—garments, ornaments, weapons—are newly crafted. Then, the deity is ceremonially transferred to the new shrine.
Why rebuild everything just once every 20 years? One reason is the transmission of craft. With a 20-year cycle, a single artisan may take part in the ritual two or even three times in a lifetime—an ideal rhythm for passing down precious skills.
Even the timber used is grown from saplings raised for the occasion. Thatched roofs and wood from the previous shrine are carefully reused, making the ritual an act of regeneration as much as of reverence.
Like life itself, it is a cycle—one that keeps tradition fresh, and knowledge alive. This is the essence of tokowaka: always young, ever renewed. And it is the quiet philosophy at the heart of a 1,300-year-old tradition.
The Timeless Spirit of Sustainability Inherited by Ise Jingu
Factory-03F
What if, instead of hardening to protect, we let something weaken, and in doing so, made it last longer?
That’s the counterintuitive principle behind the atmospheric re-entry capsules of the asteroid probes Hayabusa and Hayabusa2. Faced with the intense heat of re-entry—over 10,000°C—these capsules didn’t resist. Instead, their heatshields cooled themselves by gradually evaporating, just like sprinkling water on hot summer streets. In softening, they protected what mattered most inside.
A similar principle is found in yakisugi—charred cedar used in traditional Japanese houses. By deliberately burning the surface of cedar wood, it becomes carbonised, suppressing rot and increasing durability. Compared to standard siding materials, which last around 15 years, yakisugi walls can last 40 to 50 years, resisting moisture and insects alike. This is resilience through decay—a quiet strength born from knowing how to endure.
Factory-03E
Giving one item multiple functions might just be one of Japanese craftsmanship’s greatest strengths.
Take the furoshiki, a single square of cloth that can be folded and tied in countless ways.
Or Transformers, a Japanese-born franchise with fans around the world, where cars, planes, animals—even dinosaurs—transform into mighty robots.
At first glance, these two may seem worlds apart, but they share one thing in common: a spirit of adaptability and transformation. Instead of creating more things to meet more needs, we can expand the possibilities of a single item. Don’t you think that feels just right for the times we live in?
Factory-03D
Breaking as a form of protection is an unusual idea, to say the least.
The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), a compact module developed for lunar exploration, has legs designed to break on impact. By absorbing the shock of landing, they help ensure the safe arrival of the main body.
A similar concept is found in the Flowing Bridge—the Kozuya Bridge that spans the Kizugawa River in Kyoto Prefecture. Frequently struck by floods, it doesn’t resist the force of the rising river. Instead, its girders, connected by ropes, are allowed to float away. Once the water recedes, they can be pulled back and reassembled.
By letting go of the idea of absolute strength, we gain resilience. The breakable parts absorb the damage and protect the whole.
Factory-03C
In Japan, there has long been a tradition of using softness not to break—but to prevent breakage.
One example: traditional Japanese nails, known as wakugi, are made from soft wrought iron. When they strike a hard knot in the wood, they bend—protecting both the nail and the wood and allowing the work to continue unhindered.
Another: TOKYO SKYTREE, the tallest broadcasting tower in the world. At its core stands a central pillar, unconnected to the rest of the structure. When an earthquake strikes, the pillar sways in the opposite direction to the tower, helping to dampen the motion and reduce overall shaking.
This gentle art of absorbing impact, rather than resisting it, is a uniquely Japanese approach to strength.
Factory-03B
What if we design things with their end in mind from the very start?
The Japanese kimono is a perfect example. Crafted to make full use of a single piece of fabric, it can be returned to that original form simply by pulling out the threads. This makes it easy to adjust, alter, or completely remake.
That same thinking is now being applied to smartphones. Instead of traditional screws and fixings, what if we used adhesives that hold firm while in use but lose their grip with a special dissolving solution? Parts could be easily dismantled—ready to take on a new role, a new form, a new beginning.
Designing with the next step in mind keeps the baton moving forward, unbroken.
Factory-03A
It may seem counterintuitive at first: things that aren’t built to be tough...actually last longer. But that paradox lies at the heart of traditional Japanese circular design.
Featured here are two examples: a classic Japanese oke (wooden tub) and a special football inspired by traditional Japanese bamboo baskets.Both use puzzle-like structures that don’t rely on nails or adhesives. If a part breaks, it can simply be replaced—no need to discard the whole object.
Intentionally built light and soft, these designs reflect a deep cultural value: to treat objects with care, and make them last. That’s the quiet wisdom behind Japan’s sustainable craftsmanship.
Factory-03
Logically speaking, when making things, durability seems like the ideal. But what if things were made soft—on purpose?
This is a gallery of objects designed with rebirth in mind. Here, ‘soft’ means easy to repair when broken, flexible enough to absorb impact without shattering, and simple to reshape into something new once they’ve worn out. It’s a beautiful way of thinking, don’t you think? Japan has long been rich with clever techniques for keeping things in the cycle.
Now, step into a world of craftsmanship—filled with wisdom and skills passed down through generations.
Factory-02
Did you know the Japan Pavilion is also a factory? Right here, products used within the pavilion are being made—using plant-based plastic infused with algae cultivated in the Farm Area. Come and see the process up close.
Japan Pavilion stools—now in production
Look down from the upper walkway and you’ll see robotic arms at work, 3D-printing with smooth precision. What they’re making is a stool, crafted from a special material that blends algae with bioplastic.
The stool features three seat panels, each inspired by one of the pavilion’s zones. It’s designed for easy disassembly once its purpose has been fulfilled. Its green colour gradient? That’s created naturally, by varying the amount of algae in the mix.
From materials and energy to product and idea—watch as each step of the process unfolds with rhythm and clarity. There’s something deeply satisfying in watching it all come together.
You’ll find the finished stools placed throughout the pavilion. Feel free to take a seat and rest for a moment.
Note: The live production demo is scheduled for select periods during the Expo.
Craft, challenge, and the future of making
Algae products: creating a circular future
Factory-01
Step into this space—new, yet strangely familiar. A place where the feeling of something long remembered lingers in the air.
In the Factory Area, the main character is people. And yes—you are one of them. Objects born from the endless cycle are shaped by human hands, used in human lives, and passed from era to era.
Now it is your turn. Step across time, and follow the footprints left by those who came before.
Materials and energy born from waste are transformed into new substances. Here in the Factory Area, they take shape once more as objects that support daily life. Each object carries the baton of the cycle forward, imbued with human knowledge and craft. In Japan, the philosophy of treasuring and extending the life of things has long been woven into everyday culture. Today, it is increasingly seen as a key to building a more sustainable society.
From the enduring design of the furoshiki cloth to the architectural brilliance of TOKYO SKYTREE, every structure and purpose, when examined closely, reveals the skill and spirit of those who came before us.Ideas that never fade with time become seeds for new tools, new architecture—new ways of living.
Objects are born, shaped by human hands, and passed down to the future. This, too, is a cycle—a cycle as alive as any life itself.
Farm-08
At the end of the Farm Area… a gift shop?
Here, the cycle that begins in the Japan Pavilion continues as something you can bring into your own life. It’s the start of a new relay race of life.
A clear folder, 100% plant-based—a new link in the cycle
Green Planet: a potential hero in the fight against ocean waste
The microorganism was found in the soil of a factory.
Farm-07
Bathed in a soft, gentle light, like sunshine on a spring morning.
Here, algae photosynthesise and begin their transformation into new energy. Take a stroll through this fantastical space woven with green tubes that feels like a peaceful walk in the forest.
The forest of the future, alive with movement
Algae: outperforming plants at photosynthesis
Photobioreactors—part of everyday life?
Farm-06
What you see here is the incredible power of algae—a force essential to creating a more sustainable society. Through key indicators like production efficiency and environmental impact, this space reveals the true strengths of algae and invites you to imagine a new industrial future built around them.
Beyond expectation—algae’s astonishing potential
At the four displays ahead, you’ll find algae’s hidden capabilities visualised through comparisons with familiar plants and food sources.
Protein production? 36 times more efficient than soybeans.
Oil yield? 14 times greater than sunflowers.
CO₂ absorption? 14 times that of Japanese cedar.
And when it comes to water usage, algae can produce 50 times more protein than beef using the same amount of water.
As a food source, as a material for carbon-conscious manufacturing—these figures speak volumes about algae’s promise for the future.
Photosynthesis could save the planet
Farm-05
From the invisible to the familiar—this playful exhibition features Hello Kitty transformed into a wide variety of algae. As you admire each charming figure, you’ll find yourself drawn into the fascinating diversity of algae. It’s a joyful introduction to their unique personalities.
Hello Kitty meets 32 varieties of algae
Algae come in many forms, from microscopic species like Micrasterias and Chlorella, to edible varieties like wakame and hijiki that appear on our plates. This display focuses on their incredible diversity of shape and form.
These 32 unique Hello Kitties are each inspired by a different type of algae. Lined up side by side, these delightfully reimagined Hello Kitties invite you to fall in love with the distinct characteristics of algae. Their adorable forms reflect the features of each species, bringing this hidden world of algae closer than ever before.
Hello! Choose Your Favorite “Algae × Hello Kitty Encyclopedia”
Algae—evolving into many forms, in every size
Japan and algae: a long-standing friendship
Farm-04
Curious to see people tending a tank with no visible creatures?
Welcome to the Invisible Aquarium. Here, thriving in the water, are tiny algae. Less than a millimetre in size, but quietly growing and full of possibility.
The shimmering light reveals a spark of life
Tiny algae, immense energy
The world is watching: Botryococcus
Farm-03
Transforming CO₂ into a resource for a better future. This technology is the result of years of determined human effort. From the tunnel ahead come cylinders filled with carbon dioxide derived from food waste. Packed with hope and potential, they mark the beginning of a new kind of manufacturing.
Beyond the tunnel lies a world of microbial innovation
Hydrogen-oxidising bacteria: creating plastic from CO₂
The biodegradable plastic used here will be broken down again by microorganisms after use. These plastics come in many forms depending on what they’re made from and the environment in which they decompose. One particularly remarkable microorganism is the hydrogen-oxidising bacterium. Its unique trait? It ‘feeds’ on CO₂.
By absorbing carbon dioxide as a nutrient source, these bacteria produce the compounds that form the basis of new materials. The result is a biodegradable plastic that’s environmentally friendly both in production and decomposition. This cutting-edge technology was developed by a Japanese manufacturer, who discovered the original strain in soil from their own factory. Through refinement, created a strain capable of breaking down even in seawater—a breakthrough once thought impossible. The vessel displayed here is made from that very material.
Microbial manufacturing—something you can use, too
Farm-02
Water, heat, electricity, carbon dioxide, and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus—these materials and energies created through the decomposition of food waste in the Plant Area now arrive here, ready to be transformed by new microorganisms into entirely new forms.
In the Farm Area, a journey of discovery begins: a journey filled with future visions, playful characters, and cutting-edge Japanese technology.
With a burst of fireworks, the journey continues
The five BE@RBRICKS, born from food waste, have arrived at a crossroads. Here, they must each choose their next path.
Depending on how they combine with other substances, these materials and energies will be reborn in a wide array of new forms. Until now, most materials were produced through chemical processes. But today, living organisms—especially microorganisms with the power of production—are beginning to transform the way we manufacture, and may even reshape society itself.
Before your eyes, fireworks erupt in vivid colour—celebrating the moment of encounter with these productive microorganisms. The BE@RBRICKS merge with microbial motifs, transforming into new materials, and taking flight—just like fireworks—carrying with them the boundless possibilities of the future.
Microorganisms do more than decompose. They produce, too
Could bio-based manufacturing shape the future?
Farm-01
The Plant Area is where things that have fulfilled their role give rise to new life.
Next comes the Farm Area, where life, having changed its original form, discovers a new purpose of its own. The countless shifting patterns within the hourglass continue to move and flow, as if offering hints to life itself.
The Farm Area is where matter and energy transform into raw materials for making things.
Water and CO₂—created when microorganisms break down food waste—are reborn here as new materials. Invisible substances take on visible forms to appear before you in a variety of shapes. Once again, the stars of the show are microorganisms, working energetically in every corner of the space. Here, their incredible potential is not only seen in decomposition, but in creation, too.
Enjoy this world that lies between decomposition and making—a space where the unseen becomes tangible.
Plant-09
In the year 2000, a single rock was discovered in the Yamato Mountains, around 350 kilometres from Japan’s Showa Station in Antarctica. It turned out to be a meteorite from Mars. What scientists have since learned from analysing it could help uncover the origins of life, and even reshape humanity’s vision of the future. This is one of the largest known Martian meteorites in existence. As you stand before it, what do you feel?
See it, touch it, feel it—one of the world’s largest Martian rocks
Weighing approximately 13 kilograms and roughly the size of a rugby ball, this Martian meteorite is on public display for the very first time, right here at the Japan Pavilion.
It is exceptionally rare for a Martian rock of this size to have survived intact. By chance, it landed not in the ocean, which covers over 70% of the Earth’s surface, but on the frozen expanse of Antarctica, within the search area of a Japanese expedition team. Thanks to this extraordinary chain of events, the rock now stands before us.
Look closely at its colour, its texture, formed on a world not our own. Fragments of ten meteorites are also on display nearby. You can reach out and touch them yourself, bringing the journey through deep space just that little bit closer.
A Whisper from a Martian Meteorite: The Connection Between Space and Life
A rock that proved the presence of water on Mars
Living on Mars—a not-so-distant dream?
Plant-08
A circular courtyard where a vast reflecting pool appears, aglow with light. This water has been purified to a near-pure state through the power of microorganisms. Its clarity is dazzling. As sunlight and wind ripple across the surface, it feels like a celebration of life itself. Simply standing here brings a quiet sense of peace. This is the central space of the Japan Pavilion, where the water, the heart of the cycle, gently restores the soul.
A moment of quiet reflection, with water at the centre of the cycle
Water, woven into the soul of Japan
Plant-07
The water left behind after food waste is broken down is purified to an almost-pure quality right here inside the Pavilion. This is made possible through a combination of microbial power and advanced membrane filtration. Inspired by nature, this purification method offers a wealth of insights into how we can live more sustainably.
Join the Water BE@RBRICK on a new adventure
Two types of microorganisms power Japan’s purification technology
Inside the purification tank, water is cleaned using two kinds of microorganisms and filtration membranes.
First, the water enters the nitrification tank. Here, porous spheres covered in nitrifying bacteria are infused with air and water. These bacteria convert harmful ammonia into nitrate through the process of oxidation.
Next, the water moves into the tank filled with denitrifying bacteria. The nitrate is broken down once more, this time into harmless nitrogen gas.
Finally, the water passes through multiple filtration membranes that remove remaining impurities, resulting in water clean enough for human use. This technology is already in practical use at many water treatment facilities across Japan.
Who knows? A water BE@RBRICK might show up in your own home someday.
The wisdom behind Japan’s choice: Purification and regeneration
Plant-06
Take a peek through the window at your feet, and you’ll see a flurry of colourful BE@RBRICKS spring to life. Some flash like lightning, others ripple like droplets of water. They are powered by the energy born from food waste, and this is the very moment they come alive.
From food waste at the Japan Pavilion to a new adventure ahead
These BE@RBRICKS have come bursting out from below—where real food waste is being broken down. Microorganisms are hard at work decomposing waste collected from across the Expo site, producing five valuable outputs: water, heat, electricity, CO₂, and nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Each of the five BE@RBRICKS embodies one of these elements.
Can you guess which is which? Take a closer look at their playful details—their tails, their colours, their cheeky features. Each one expresses its element with charming flair. Their energetic movements are bursting with the joy of transformation, filled with a sense of newfound life. And if you listen carefully, you might even hear them chirp with delight.
How are they born? Where are they headed? The science behind their adventure
Inside the fermentation tanks of the Pavilion, food waste is broken down, producing biogas. Biogas can be used as fuel to power a thermal generator, converting heat into electricity.
Meanwhile, the CO₂ within the biogas is separated and collected for reuse. In the Farm Area, for example, it’s used to feed hydrogen-oxidising bacteria—the same bacteria that help produce the base material for bioplastics. It can also be used to grow algae.
Water and nutrients remain in the sludge left behind after decomposition. The water is purified to become clean and clear. You’ll see it soon in the water basin ahead. And the nutrient-rich sludge can be dried and turned into compost to nourish the next generation of life.
Biogas power: a solution we must shape together
Plant-05
Within the vessels submerged in water, cherry blossom shapes emerge like fleeting illusions. They are temporary forms, revealed only in the process of breakdown, as the microorganisms gradually cause the vessels to disappear. This is a quiet space to reflect on the beauty of the decomposition that connects the cycle of life.
Five phases of transformation: witness how form changes through decomposition
Inside the tanks lined along the wall are vessels made of biodegradable plastic, slowly being broken down by microorganisms. The exhibit presents this process in five stages—each one represented by a separate tank. As you walk past them in order, you can witness the transformation step by step.
The first to appear on the surface is the cherry blossom. As decomposition progresses, branches begin to emerge. The flowers scatter. Eventually, the entire vessel disappears. By varying the thickness of different parts of the vessel, each element fades at its own pace, revealing delicate shapes sculpted by the flow of time and life.
These ephemeral, natural sculptures have been shaped by decomposition itself. Take a moment to gaze at their fragile outlines right to the very edges.
Biodegradable plastic: a technology for the future
Choosing materials that enrich both our senses and our future
Plant-04
Take a quiet peek into the microbial world that sustains the cycle of life. There, you’ll find koji mould, a microorganism that has long supported the foundation of Japanese cuisine. Beyond that familiar flavour lies a story of history and mystery.
A museum of moulds that make ‘the taste of Japan’
Delicate objects line the showcase. Some may remind you of sparklers, others might feel like they’re quietly pulsing with life. These forms represent the many genetic traits of koji mould used in everyday life—particularly those characteristics most deeply connected to flavour.
The diverse personalities of koji mould have become gifts to Japanese food culture, the result of chance encounters and the wisdom of those who came before. Simply gazing at them brings new discoveries. Welcome to a museum where the remarkable world of koji mould—the creative force behind soy sauce and miso—becomes art.
Could this be the mould behind that familiar taste? What’s the true source of umami? By getting to know these tiny lives that produce such abundant gifts, you’ll uncover the secrets behind the tastes of Japan.
The miracle called ‘fermentation’ that changed everyday life
Soy sauce, miso, sake, vinegar, mirin—many of the iconic elements of Japanese cuisine are created through fermentation by koji mould. The enzymes produced by the mould are the secret to its delicious taste. These enzymes break down starches into sugars, and proteins into amino acids—the very essence of umami. This is the process known as fermentation. Koji mould—also known as kōji-kabi—is a type of fungus. But unlike harmful moulds, it doesn’t produce toxins. Instead, it draws out sweetness and umami from rice, wheat, soybeans, and more, creating complex, layered flavours.
Fermentation and spoilage are, biologically speaking, the same process—both driven by microbial activity. The line between a delicious transformation and a rotten failure is incredibly thin. The wisdom of our ancestors in navigating that line was nothing short of extraordinary. A food culture rich in fermented seasonings can be seen as the ultimate expression of Japan’s deep respect for nature.
Why Is Soy Sauce Good? Exploring Japanese Fermentation Culture Through Seasonings
Japan’s koji mould, growing into the future
Plant-03
In the darkness that spreads out before you, countless lights suddenly begin to flicker. The waste that once flowed along the path of light now swims, bounces, gathers, and spreads—transformed into glowing particles. Here, within this breathtaking scene at the Japan Pavilion, you are surrounded by the hidden power of living things—the quiet stirrings of rebirth.
A vast world born from the smallest of life forms
Passing the baton of decomposition—inside the fermentation tanks
Energy without adding to CO₂
Plant-02
As you enter the Plant Area, the first thing to greet you is the waste produced at the Expo site. Consumed, used, and cast aside.
Now, through the power of microorganisms, that waste is broken down and transformed into energy—a new source of life. You are here to witness that beginning.
An end? Or a beginning? Wander the path of light.
From waste to resource
Turning Expo waste into power for the Japan Pavilion
Plant-01
Take a step forward, and you’ll find yourself in a mysterious space where life seems to breathe all around you. New, yet somehow familiar sounds stir contradictory sensations.
What appears before you is a beautiful cycle connecting endings and beginnings.
Between an ending and a beginning
The cycle and the beauty of Japan within the Japan Pavilion
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see the stars of the Plant Area. But what you can see is the result of their incredible work. The activity of these invisible microorganisms is the exhibit.
From the waste produced at the Expo site, microorganisms help generate energy, such as electricity, and create clean water. From the Japan Pavilion, the cycle of regeneration spreads across the entire Expo.
These exhibits, born from the quiet labour of tiny lives, offer a glimpse into the circular society of the future.
Take it in with all of your senses.
