KONNICHIWA!

A newsletter from Oki Sato, general producer.
News on the Japan Pavilion’s progress, and his thoughts for the day.

  • New

    Cover image from the first issue of the Monthly JP Pavilion

    Thoughts

    “Monthly JP pavilion,”
    Has Been Published.

    Finally, “Monthly JP pavilion,” has been published. Well, I guess for you, the term “finally” might not pack the same punch, right?
    As you flip through the pages of our monthly magazine, you’ll get a pretty solid sense of what the Japan Pavilion is all about—that’s the vibe we’re aiming for. So kick back, relax, and dive in without any grand expectations.
    Huge shoutout to everyone who pitched in and lent a hand, despite all the curveballs life threw our way! With just one year left, let’s keep pushing forward and make the Japan Pavilion a spot where folks can look back and think, “Hey, I’m glad I was part of that whole Japan Pavilion thing” in, oh, let’s say about a decade from now.

  • Photo of a full-scale mock-up of the Japan Pavilion

    This and That

    Full-Scale Mockups

    Full-scale mockups crafted from genuine materials are meticulously examined and discussed with the architectural team, covering colors, finishes, and other intricate details.
    A heartfelt thank you to everyone at Nikken Sekkei, handling the design, and Shimizu Corporation, leading the construction!
    Working alongside these dedicated individuals brings me immense joy, even though we still have a long journey ahead!

  • Exhibition

    Whoosh...

    Whoosh...

    “What is the length on the tail of the light?”
    “It’s 600mm!”
    “Could you try stretching it to 700mm?”
    “Sure. Incoming 700mm!”

    (Wow! It’s really now stretched by 100mm...!)

    “Can you soften the outline around the head of the light more?”
    “Absolutely. Softer outline incoming!”

    (It’s significantly softer now!)

    “Can you slow down the movement of the light midway, more syrupy?”
    “Syrupy?”
    “Yeah, syrupy.”
    (...oh?)

    Endless adjustments to the shape and movement of the light continue. I truly admire the dedication of the staff who toiled tirelessly, working day and night to prepare for today’s testing. Thank you very much!

  • Photo showing lighting fixtures being selected for use in the exhibition rooms

    Exhibition

    Quest for the Perfect Lighting Fixtures.

    Today, we’re on a quest for the perfect lighting fixtures to make our exhibition rooms pop in the Japan Pavilion. The specific criteria, including size, brightness, warmth, and the softness of light contours, are being meticulously determined for each space.
    We find ourselves pondering over two distinct lighting scenarios: Is it preferable to have strong light illuminating a dark-colored wall, or would a subtler glow on a light-colored wall be more fitting?
    Additionally, we contemplate the warmth factor. Is it more inviting to have warm-colored light grace a cold-colored wall, or does the juxtaposition of cold-colored light against a warm-colored wall create a more harmonious ambiance?

    As I delve into these considerations, contemplating the interplay of light and space, my thoughts gradually become as elusive as the mist settling over a tranquil landscape.

  • Photo of Oki Sato feeling the cold at a construction site

    Architecture

    The Site and Mockups Are Impressive and All, But...

    Brrr, it’s chilly!
    Too cold!!!

  • Photo of the Grand Roof (Ring), the symbol of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, as seen from the construction site of the Japan Pavilion

    Architecture

    “Grand Roof (Ring)”

    Directly in front of the Japan Pavilion stands the iconic symbol of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai – the “Grand Roof (Ring)”! Its sheer enormity is awe-inspiring! Above all, it’s intensely intimidating!
    I can’t shake off the imagery of “Wall Maria” from a certain beloved manga. Unfortunately, our Japan Pavilion finds itself positioned on the exterior of this colossal ring, almost like a predestined target for the titans.

  • Photo showing the construction site of the Japan Pavilion
    Photo showing the construction site of the Japan Pavilion
    Photo showing the construction site of the Japan Pavilion

    This and That

    Stepping into a Cab at Shin-Osaka Station...

    “Please take me to the Expo Osaka site on Yumeshima.”
    “What?”
    “To the Expo site, please.”
    “Expo?”
    “Yes.”
    “The Expo isn’t open yet.”
    “Yes, I know that, but I need to go.”
    “I’m saying the Expo hasn’t started yet.”

    Conversely, if the Expo had already commenced, we’d be in a bind. After three rounds of this exchange, I finally moved forward and reached the site. The current view reveals a vague outline of the Japan Pavilion, or maybe not.
    It’s hard to articulate, but the foundation seems oddly charming. This might be the first time in my life that I’ve found a foundation to be cute. Perhaps I’m feeling a bit fatigued these days...

  • Photo showing the construction site of the Japan Pavilion
    Photo showing the construction site of the Japan Pavilion
    Photo showing the construction site of the Japan Pavilion

    This and That

    Stepping into a Cab at Shin-Osaka Station...

    “Please take me to the Expo Osaka site on Yumeshima.”
    “What?”
    “To the Expo site, please.”
    “Expo?”
    “Yes.”
    “The Expo isn’t open yet.”
    “Yes, I know that, but I need to go.”
    “I’m saying the Expo hasn’t started yet.”

    Conversely, if the Expo had already commenced, we’d be in a bind. After three rounds of this exchange, I finally moved forward and reached the site. The current view reveals a vague outline of the Japan Pavilion, or maybe not.
    It’s hard to articulate, but the foundation seems oddly charming. This might be the first time in my life that I’ve found a foundation to be cute. Perhaps I’m feeling a bit fatigued these days...

  • Photo of the Grand Roof (Ring), the symbol of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, as seen from the construction site of the Japan Pavilion

    Architecture

    “Grand Roof (Ring)”

    Directly in front of the Japan Pavilion stands the iconic symbol of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai – the “Grand Roof (Ring)”! Its sheer enormity is awe-inspiring! Above all, it’s intensely intimidating!
    I can’t shake off the imagery of “Wall Maria” from a certain beloved manga. Unfortunately, our Japan Pavilion finds itself positioned on the exterior of this colossal ring, almost like a predestined target for the titans.

  • Photo of Oki Sato feeling the cold at a construction site

    Architecture

    The Site and Mockups Are Impressive and All, But...

    Brrr, it’s chilly!
    Too cold!!!

  • Photo showing lighting fixtures being selected for use in the exhibition rooms

    Exhibition

    Quest for the Perfect Lighting Fixtures.

    Today, we’re on a quest for the perfect lighting fixtures to make our exhibition rooms pop in the Japan Pavilion. The specific criteria, including size, brightness, warmth, and the softness of light contours, are being meticulously determined for each space.
    We find ourselves pondering over two distinct lighting scenarios: Is it preferable to have strong light illuminating a dark-colored wall, or would a subtler glow on a light-colored wall be more fitting?
    Additionally, we contemplate the warmth factor. Is it more inviting to have warm-colored light grace a cold-colored wall, or does the juxtaposition of cold-colored light against a warm-colored wall create a more harmonious ambiance?

    As I delve into these considerations, contemplating the interplay of light and space, my thoughts gradually become as elusive as the mist settling over a tranquil landscape.

  • Exhibition

    Whoosh...

    Whoosh...

    “What is the length on the tail of the light?”
    “It’s 600mm!”
    “Could you try stretching it to 700mm?”
    “Sure. Incoming 700mm!”

    (Wow! It’s really now stretched by 100mm...!)

    “Can you soften the outline around the head of the light more?”
    “Absolutely. Softer outline incoming!”

    (It’s significantly softer now!)

    “Can you slow down the movement of the light midway, more syrupy?”
    “Syrupy?”
    “Yeah, syrupy.”
    (...oh?)

    Endless adjustments to the shape and movement of the light continue. I truly admire the dedication of the staff who toiled tirelessly, working day and night to prepare for today’s testing. Thank you very much!

  • Photo of a full-scale mock-up of the Japan Pavilion

    This and That

    Full-Scale Mockups

    Full-scale mockups crafted from genuine materials are meticulously examined and discussed with the architectural team, covering colors, finishes, and other intricate details.
    A heartfelt thank you to everyone at Nikken Sekkei, handling the design, and Shimizu Corporation, leading the construction!
    Working alongside these dedicated individuals brings me immense joy, even though we still have a long journey ahead!

  • New

    Cover image from the first issue of the Monthly JP Pavilion

    Thoughts

    “Monthly JP pavilion,”
    Has Been Published.

    Finally, “Monthly JP pavilion,” has been published. Well, I guess for you, the term “finally” might not pack the same punch, right?
    As you flip through the pages of our monthly magazine, you’ll get a pretty solid sense of what the Japan Pavilion is all about—that’s the vibe we’re aiming for. So kick back, relax, and dive in without any grand expectations.
    Huge shoutout to everyone who pitched in and lent a hand, despite all the curveballs life threw our way! With just one year left, let’s keep pushing forward and make the Japan Pavilion a spot where folks can look back and think, “Hey, I’m glad I was part of that whole Japan Pavilion thing” in, oh, let’s say about a decade from now.