Hello from Sayu CPA Office!

This past summer, between July and September, I had the opportunity to visit the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai three times.
In this post, I’d like to take a short break from our usual accounting topics and share some impressions and highlights from the pavilions I visited.

１．International Pavilions

Among the international pavilions I visited were those from Vietnam, Qatar, the UAE, the Czech Republic, Oman, Hungary, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Bharat (India), and Bangladesh.
Each country’s presentation was unique—some focused on their historical ties and cultural exchanges with Japan, while others emphasized their industries, technologies, or national strengths.

More developed nations tended to have large, independent pavilions, while smaller or developing countries often shared common spaces with smaller booths.
Interestingly, there was a wide variety in how those booths were presented: some were packed with colorful handicrafts for sale, while others were almost empty, with little to display. Interestingly, a few familiar countries were absent from the Expo altogether, perhaps reflecting current international dynamics.
In a way, these differences subtly reflected each nation’s current situation and its level of engagement with the global community.

Still, being able to walk through so many countries’ exhibits—even just to get a feel for their atmosphere—was a rare and valuable experience.
After all, visiting these many countries in a lifetime would be nearly impossible

From a personal standpoint, I was particularly impressed by the Middle Eastern pavilions—Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Oman. Their displays were grand and beautifully designed, leaving a clear impression of economic strength.
Despite their prosperity, the stark contrasts in climate, religion, clothing, architecture, and food culture made these exhibits especially fascinating to me.

I didn’t visit the Japan Pavilion this time, but it made me curious about how Japan presents itself at overseas expos.
What aspects of Japan does the country choose to highlight on the world stage—and how are they perceived by international visitors?
It’s surprisingly difficult to view one’s own culture objectively.

２．Japanese Corporate Pavilions

I also visited several corporate pavilions, including those of NTT, Panasonic, and PASONA NATUREVERSE.
Because each company had a clearly defined theme, the exhibits were consistent, easy to follow, and thoughtfully designed.
They were highly entertaining even for casual visitors, so both my family and friends enjoyed them a lot.

Many of the displays allowed visitors to experience cutting-edge technology and imagine future lifestyles, which made the atmosphere inspiring and uplifting.
I left feeling genuinely impressed—and I look forward to seeing some of these innovations make their way into everyday life in the near future.

３．Signature Pavilions

The Signature Pavilions centered on the theme of “Life.”
I was only able to secure a reservation for null², but even from that one exhibit, it was clear that the producer’s distinct ideas and artistic vision were deeply embedded in the presentation.

That said, it wasn’t the easiest experience to interpret on the spot.
Even after reviewing it later, I must admit that I still don’t fully grasp everything I saw…
It reminded me of the ancient Greeks, realizing “the wisdom of knowing one’s ignorance” under Socrates—I certainly felt that kind of humility!

Still, if the goal was to make visitors think and reflect, it succeeded brilliantly.
All the Signature Pavilions seemed to be quite popular, and I would have liked to see more if time had allowed.

４．Other Impressions

Given the midsummer heat, I was worried about getting around the site, but under the Grand Roof Ring, there was plenty of shade and a pleasant breeze. It was much more comfortable than expected.
The restrooms were clean and plentiful, and I didn’t notice any overflowing trash bins either—details that reflect Japan’s trademark hospitality and attention to order.

Lastly, how do you feel about Myaku-Myaku, the official Expo mascot?
When it was first unveiled, the design was so unusual that it drew mixed reactions, but over time—especially in the Kansai area—it seems to have grown quite popular.
I liked it from the start, so I couldn’t resist getting a Myaku-Myaku plush at the venue.
It’s soft, squishy, and oddly charming—definitely one of my favorite souvenirs!