Osaka Expo｜Exhibition Hall Doubles as a Biogas Power Plant: Japanese Aesthetics Meet Future Society's "Circular" Vision

As the host country, Japan showcases its architectural aesthetics through its pavilion design. Nikken Sekkei has crafted a circular fortress using cross-laminated cedar wood and black steel structures, blending strength with the theme of circularity while reflecting traditional Japanese borrowed scenery and Zen philosophy. Interestingly, this pavilion is actually a large-scale biogas power plant. The waste generated daily at the Expo site will serve as fuel for power generation. Microorganisms break down the waste to produce recyclable biogas, illuminating the three zones of the Japan Pavilion. This concept embodies a vision of future society and the possibilities of waste recycling. Japanese designers Satoshi Sato, Junpei Watanabe, and Yoshiaki Shikabe have collaborated on the creative, copywriting, and visual systems for the pavilion. The content of the three exhibition zones is both fragmented and integrated, filled with surprises. A total of 178 transparent tubes, spanning over 1,400 meters, circulate glowing algae water, creating a magical atmosphere reminiscent of sci-fi movies. With over 300,000 species of algae existing in the world, they not only serve as a protein source but also absorb carbon dioxide. Through a collaboration with Hello Kitty, algae are personified, creating new business opportunities and embedding their image in visitors' minds. The final zone showcases industrial products, where robotic arms print modular chairs that visitors can use to rest within the pavilion. Rather than relying on flashy gimmicks, the pavilion uses life as its theme, guiding visitors to understand the potential of a circular society in the near future. It is definitely worth a visit. 📍Address: 〒554-0044 Yumeshima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture ❤️ The Japan Pavilion operates on a reservation system. If you miss out during the 7-day or 3-day lottery, you can refresh the daily reservation page on your phone upon entering the venue, as tickets are continuously released.