Expo 2025 Gears Up as Italy Pavilion Reveals Stunning Preview

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is quickly approaching, with its opening in April just around the corner. While there were widespread concerns about delays in preparations, construction has been picking up. In December 2024, the exteriors of the international pavilions were starting to take shape.

With only three months to go, participating countries are pressing forward, overcoming challenges as they arise. Some countries have granted media access to their construction sites. For example, Italy opened its pavilion to reporters in late November. Officials explained that they wanted to offer a preview before interior work began, which would make access more difficult.

Masterpieces at the Italy Pavilion

The Italy pavilion, a collaboration with the Vatican, spans approximately 3,000 square meters, making it one of the largest at the Expo. It features impressive woodwork and soaring ceilings, offering a glimpse of the grand structure would become.

Reporters were also given a tour of the rooftop, which will include a garden and a restaurant. Surrounded by the sea, the fresh air added to the invigorating atmosphere.

As part of its exhibition, Italy will showcase the second-century marble sculpture Farnese Atlas, while the Vatican will present Caravaggio's masterpiece The Entombment of Christ. They are both expected to be major attractions at the Expo.

Santa Claus at Nordic Pavilion

In early December, the Nordic Pavilion, a joint project of five countries including Finland and Denmark, also allowed press access to its interior. Though the site was far from finished, the timing of the reveal was strategic.

Finland's official Santa Claus, certified by a national foundation, even flew to Japan to help promote the pavilion. With a playful remark, he quipped, "The reindeer are resting for Christmas, so I flew here this time," cleverly drawing attention to Finland's national airline.

*An artist's rendering of the Nordic pavilion. (From the Expo 2025 website)*

Ukraine to Participate

Despite these advances, concerns persist over whether some of the larger pavilions, referred to as Type A, will be completed in time for the Expo's opening. A senior official at the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition acknowledged that construction schedules are significantly behind the original timelines. They pointed to the need for a thorough investigation into the causes of these delays.

Nevertheless, participating countries are continuing to pour their pride into the construction of their pavilions, which will showcase their unique identities to the world. Even Ukraine, with support from the Japanese government, will hold a small exhibition.

In a world marked by ongoing wars and conflicts, Expo 2025 offers a rare platform for nations to come together and share their stories. The opportunity to explore and understand these diverse perspectives has never been more important.