Understanding the Osaka Expo Through the Lens of Today's Japan
- CHISATO NAKATSUGAWA
- 7月31日
- 読了時間: 3分
June 31, 2025
Chisato Nakatsugawa
What do you think about Osaka Expo’s theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” In general, EXPO is an opportunity to present and exchange state-of-the-art technology and knowledge among many countries and areas. Although the term “Live” seems far from the latest technology, we can find a good connection between them. Through EXPO, we can find some challenges and problems in Japan related to “Lives”.
Japan Is Facing Challenges of “Lives”
There are some issues in Japan. One of them is the low birthrate and aging population. According to the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the proportion of people aged 65 and over was 5% in 1950, and it rose to 26.6% by 2020. On the other hand, the percentage of those aged 14 and under was 18% in 1990, dropped to 12% in 2020, and is predicted to decline further to 9% by 2070. Furthermore, in 2024, the number of babies born fell below 700,000, and the total fertility rate, which measures the average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime, dropped to 1.15 which is the lowest ever recorded. This aging population and declining birthrate have led to growing concerns in the elderly care industry, including a shortage of workers
and an increasing burden on young caregivers.
Secondly, Japan also faces energy problems. One example is the operation of nuclear power plants. Nuclear power is an effective way to generate electricity and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, because it does not emit CO₂. However, it involves serious risks. In 2011, the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant had an accident caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Japan is prone to natural disasters, but it still relies on nuclear power. As of January 2024, 12 out of 60 nuclear reactors in Japan were in operation. What solutions can Japan implement for the energy transition toward carbon neutrality?
Osaka Expo Offers New Perspective
The Osaka Expo is hosting events related to the issues discussed above. On June 24, 2025, the O-MU-TSU WORLD EXPO was held. "Omutsu" means diapers in Japanese — something people usually think of them as only for babies or older adults. This event featured fashion shows and talk shows centered around the theme of diapers. It showcased future diaper innovations from perspectives such as design, welfare, and medical care. By bringing diapers into the spotlight in a creative way, the event challenged social norms and offered a new perspective to people. The models were wearing stylishly designed diapers. For example, there were metallic ones, some decorated with artificial flowers, ribbons, or glitter instead of the traditional white diapers. Although diapers play an essential role in caregiving, some people feel embarrassed about wearing diapers as adults and prefer to keep it a secret. This feeling shows that society still has problems with how we think about aging, care, and respect for people.
In addition to events like the O-MU-TSU WORLD EXPO, the Expo features the Electric Power Pavilion. It introduces you to the possibilities of energy in the future with egg shaped devices. In the Possibilities Area, you can experience 29 types of different energy generations, including Nuclear Fusion, Wireless Power Transfer, Tidal Power Generation, and Vibration Power Generation. Through the experience, the egg-shaped device is glowing, and both adults and children can enjoy and learn about the possibilities of energy. It also offers the VR Pavilion. Princess Aiko visited the pavilion on May 8. For this reason, the pavilion is attracting a lot of attention in Japan.
Toward A Society That Cares for Every Life
These pavilions and events reflect Japan’s social issues and highlight the challenges the country will face in the future. Moreover, visitors to the Expo can gain new perspectives and knowledge, which can help build a better society.
Are issues related to people’s lives unique to Japan? I believe that the theme of lives is an important keyword for building a better future for Japan and the world as well in 2025. It is important that each visitor to the Expo relates the exhibits to the social issues of their own country, gains new insights, and shares the knowledge with their community. The Osaka Expo will be a junction point for a better future for everyone.
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