As the host country for the 2025 Japan International Exposition (Osaka-Kansai Expo), which was held under the theme of "concept design a Future Society Where Life Shines," this pavilion, themed "Life and, Between, Life," aims to allow visitors to feel the significance of "circulation" through a seamless connection between displays and architecture.

The Japan Pavilion, with its circular structure embodying the relay of life, stands out as a unique presence as the host country's pavilion. In addition to the way visitors are naturally drawn into the pavilion as they walk around its perimeter, its most distinctive feature is the countless "wooden planks" arranged in a circle. Through the gaps between them, visitors can catch glimpses of the interior, and the continuity between inside and outside, displays and architecture, gives visitors an opportunity to become aware of the "in-between" space, which is also the theme of the Japan Pavilion. Another distinctive feature of this pavilion is its concept of "Japan Pavilion that Eats Garbage." Garbage generated within the Expo site is broken down by microorganisms and converted into energy and water. Visitors can relive this process through an installation* and experience how the generated energy and water power the Japan Pavilion, making it a "living pavilion." As they tour the pavilion, which is composed of three zones, they can feel the significance of "circulation," a core aspect of Japanese aesthetics, and realize that they themselves are part of this long and magnificent story. In addition, the "wooden panels" are mainly made of CLT (cross-laminated timber), and steel is used in the structure, thus using CLT in the simplest and most symbolic way possible. The CLT used in the Japan Pavilion is planned to be reused by companies and local governments throughout Japan after the Expo ends, and has been designed to be easily dismantled and repurposed.

By understanding the value of "circulation," which underlies the theme of the Japan Pavilion, "Between Life and Life," we aim to encourage visitors to re-examine the cycles that are so close to us, and to explore hints for the future of society and a sustainable future.

NOMURA Co., Ltd. was responsible for Exhibition Design (Schematic Design, Design Development), construction, and operation of this Japan Pavilion.

*A contemporary art form in which the entire displays space is experienced as a work of art. Visitors walk around the space and enjoy the artwork through sight, sound, and other senses.