OSAKA - The Osaka-Kansai Expo, which brought together 158 countries and regions over 184 days before closing on October 13th, now faces a crucial question: how can its legacy be preserved for future generations? Experts say the answer lies not only in what remains physically — such as pavilions, iconic structures, and innovative technologies — but also in how the event continues to inspire people long after the crowds have gone home.
The Expo Association aims to reuse about 20% of the 84 pavilions, but so far, only a few projects have confirmed relocation. Among the most notable efforts is the "Blue Ocean Dome," a pavilion designed with future reuse in mind. Built using lightweight carbon fiber, the world's first dome of its kind will be relocated to a Maldivian resort, and if the material gains popularity in global architecture, its origins may one day be traced back to Osaka 2025. Other examples include Uzbekistan's plan to repurpose pavilion materials back home and Pasona’s cutting-edge exhibit, which will move to Awaji Island.Central to the legacy discussion is also the fate of the "Grand Roof Ring," a major symbol of the site, part of which is expected to remain as a municipal park feature. Looking back, the 1970 Osaka Expo offers valuable lessons. Its iconic Tower of the Sun — once slated for demolition — was preserved after a schoolboy’s heartfelt plea, later earning designation as a national cultural property. Even former pavilions, like Cambodia’s, have been repurposed into community centers, showing how Expo structures can gain new life in everyday life.
For many, the legacy extends beyond architecture. It is reflected in the inspiration the Expo provides — from young people developing a global outlook to children pursuing careers in engineering after visiting exhibits. As Professor Hashi of Osaka Metropolitan University puts it, legacy should not be seen as a relic of the past, but as something that continues to shape the future. The true measure of Osaka 2025’s success, he says, will be how deeply it embeds itself into society — not just as a memory of a spectacular event, but as a catalyst for the next generation.
Source: YOMIURI
