Reflecting on Japanese Aesthetics Through the Lens of “JUNKAN”

Sato

The role of the Japan Pavilion varies significantly depending on whether the Expo is held overseas or in Japan. For an Expo held abroad, the Japan Pavilion is expected to encapsulate “contemporary Japan,” offering visitors an experience that feels as if they’ve traveled to Japan.

However, in the case of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, people can experience “contemporary Japan” firsthand through various encounters within the country. This led me to believe that the role of the Japan Pavilion should go beyond showcasing specific objects or events — it should delve into deeper ideas and ways of thinking.

As we explored what concept should be at the core, we realized that Japan’s unique relationship with nature stood out as a defining characteristic. The idea of “JUNKAN” — born from this connection with the natural environment — emerged as a key theme.

“JUNKAN” not only reflects Japanese thought and history but also ties into new technologies that are shaping society. We believe this concept could offer valuable insights for navigating the future.

Sato

The concept of “JUNKAN” is broad and can be challenging for people to relate to on a personal level. That’s why we felt it was important to focus on smaller, more familiar elements. The theme, “Between Lives,” reflects this idea — not just highlighting life itself, but also carefully illustrating the subtle connections that exist between lives. This approach led to exhibit designs that visualize invisible, delicate forms of life and express the fleeting yet beautiful nature of life’s constant transformation.

Sato

When we started the project in 2021, our first step was to identify the elements that would circulate throughout the Japan Pavilion — things like waste, water, various forms of energy, algae, materials, and products. Each of these elements has its own life cycle: they are created, fulfill their purpose, and eventually fade away. Our living environment is filled with countless small cycles like these. To better visualize these connections, our team created a conceptual diagram that we referred to as a “mandala.” As we mapped out these smaller cycles, we realized that their intricate interconnections ultimately form a much larger cycle as a whole. This realization became our starting point. From there, we developed the content, followed by the exhibition spaces, and finally the architectural design itself. I believe this unique process — starting with the concept of circulation and allowing it to shape every layer of the project — was crucial in bringing the vision of the Japan Pavilion to life.

Sato

We carefully designed the exhibits to ensure they wouldn’t feel like isolated events, but rather convey a sense of invisible interconnectedness. For example, algae appear in various forms — as part of furniture, food, or even incorporated into artworks using diatomaceous earth. Additionally, recurring design motifs are woven throughout the space. By scattering these small “connections” across the exhibits, we aimed to help visitors sense the presence of a greater, overarching cycle that ties everything together.

Sato

In everyday life, waste is often seen as something dirty, smelly, and undesirable. But is that really all there is to it? By shifting our perspective, we may find that even discarded materials have their own vitality — and by recognizing this, we can connect them to a larger cycle of renewal. Our aim is to challenge conventional thinking by allowing visitors to witness waste being transformed into something new and meaningful. To achieve this, we deliberately designed the Japan Pavilion to function as a food waste treatment facility.

The pavilion is integrated with a biogas plant — a system that breaks down food waste to generate electricity and water. The plan is to collect approximately one ton of food waste generated daily at the Expo site using EV trucks and process it within the pavilion itself. A food waste facility is typically seen as the “final resting place” for discarded materials. By combining this with regeneration technology, creative design, and engaging content, we wanted to create an immersive experience — not just a showcase of exhibits, but something visitors can see in action. Our goal was to create a truly “living” Japan Pavilion — a space that embodies circulation and renewal in a tangible, impactful way.

Sato

As I mentioned earlier, the concept of circulation is deeply rooted in our relationship with nature. While Western perspectives often emphasize “confronting” nature, Japanese aesthetics are characterized by a stance of “coexisting” with it. I believe that a key aspect of Japanese aesthetics lies in the awareness that we are part of a larger cycle — an understanding that our existence is intricately woven into this broader flow of life and time. This mindset is particularly evident in the way Japanese culture embraces small things and fleeting moments. There’s a unique sensitivity to the beauty found in what is delicate, impermanent, and quietly unassuming — qualities that reflect this deeper connection to the cycles of nature.

Sato

The Japanese have long found beauty in the changing seasons and nature’s fleeting moments. There’s a deep appreciation for the ephemeral — the transient beauty that exists only for a brief time. For example, the falling petals of cherry blossoms, fireworks that briefly illuminate the night sky, or the quiet flicker of a sparkler fading into darkness — these fleeting moments are cherished precisely because they are short-lived. This sense of treasuring the moment, finding beauty in what is delicate and impermanent, is a distinctive aspect of Japanese aesthetics.

Another characteristic of Japanese sensibility is the awareness of invisible yet essential presences. At the Japan Pavilion, we highlight microorganisms — tiny, unseen beings that have quietly supported human life throughout history. These include bacteria that break down food waste to generate fuel, kōji mold essential for making miso and soy sauce, and microalgae, which are gaining attention as a promising resource for the future. Through exhibits that showcase the activities of these “small things”, we hope visitors will recognize and appreciate the overlooked yet vital contributions these unseen forces make to our lives.

Sato

The circular structure itself — with no clear beginning or end — is a direct expression of nature’s cyclical flow. Upon entering any of the three entrances, visitors will encounter an exhibition space inspired by an hourglass, designed with identical elements in each. This repetitive yet subtly evolving experience creates a sense of looping — as if things are continuously transforming and being reborn. This design acts as a key mechanism for evoking the concept of “JUNKAN.” Another unique feature is that the sequence of exhibits changes depending on which entrance visitors choose. This slight shift in perspective allows each visitor to experience a different narrative or viewpoint. We also hope that these varied personal experiences will spark conversations among visitors, enriching their understanding of the interconnectedness that lies at the heart of “JUNKAN.”

Sato

I was committed to keeping the “exhibition experience” at the heart of the design process. My goal was to start from the question: “What will visitors feel, and how?” From there, I envisioned a space where exhibits, language, sound, interior design, and architectural elements would seamlessly blend together and expand as one cohesive experience. In pursuing this deep integration of hardware and software — as well as analog and digital elements — it became essential to develop all aspects simultaneously. Ultimately, the aim was not to create a space where visitors simply understand information, but rather one where they can feel the information — an immersive experience that resonates on an emotional level.

Sato

Instead of speaking loudly to grab attention, the Japan Pavilion intentionally adopts a more subtle, “whispering” approach — carefully layering delicate expressions throughout the space. I would be delighted if visitors take a moment to really listen and engage with these quiet details. At first glance, it may lack the flashy impact often associated with Expo pavilions. However, like dried squid that reveals deeper flavors the more you chew, the Japan Pavilion is designed to reveal new insights and discoveries the longer you explore it. This sense of depth and layered complexity is what we aimed to create — a space that continues to offer fresh perspectives with each visit.

Sato

The visual system, too, was designed to be something that feels organic and ever-changing, rather than bold or iconic. Yoshiaki Irobe from the Nippon Design Center created a system that resembles a living organism — constantly shifting and transforming. By allowing these graphic elements to appear throughout the pavilion in fluid, evolving forms, I believe they effectively enhance and emphasize the Japan Pavilion’s central theme.

Sato

One of the most surprising and memorable moments for me was the way the water basin at the center of the Japan Pavilion took on an unexpected presence — something I hadn’t fully anticipated. This space was intentionally left empty, rather than featuring a specific object or display. This decision stemmed from the idea that the center should not hold a defined meaning, but instead allow the circular flow of “JUNKAN” to take precedence. When the space was finally completed, I was struck by an unexpected sense of beauty — a quiet yet profound feeling that seemed to encompass the entire Japan Pavilion. Despite being “empty,” it felt as though everything was there. The stillness of the space invited a range of emotions to emerge, revealing a unique and mysterious kind of beauty that continues to resonate with me.

Sato

The Japan Pavilion is designed with numerous small, layered elements that create subtle connections throughout the space. You may encounter the same elements reappearing in different forms or spaces, or notice repeated motifs. Even the background music contains elements of “connection” and “JUNKAN.”
While the theme of the Japan Pavilion may initially seem grand, I encourage visitors to focus on the small details. By paying attention to these quiet whispers and subtle cues, I believe they’ll uncover new insights and discoveries that make the experience even more meaningful.