Taiwan Shines at Expo 2025 with TECH WORLD Pavilion

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The "TECH WORLD" pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is hosted by a Taiwanese private company. Despite not being part of the national exhibitions, it is attracting considerable attention for showcasing Taiwan's presence on the global stage. We joined a tour group of about 150 Taiwanese visitors to find out more.

3000 Visitors on the First Day

On April 14, the second day of the Expo, the skies cleared after a rainy opening day. The TECH WORLD pavilion stood out on the expo grounds under the sun with its striking design, inspired by Taiwan's majestic mountain ranges.

*Inside the "TECH WORLD" pavilion with moving screens. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura)*

Inside, visitors are greeted by 560 screens arranged like flowers moving in unison. A cylindrical display projects vivid imagery of Taiwan's diverse natural landscapes. These visuals, combined with forest scents and smoke effects, create a multisensory experience that blends advanced technology with the beauty of Taiwan's nature.

Each visitor receives a wristband that tracks their heart rate throughout the experience. At the end of the tour, a QR code reveals more information on the exhibits that resonated most, based on their physiological response.

Semiconductor Technology

Former Minister of Health Twu Shiing-jer commented, "I feel very proud. It's unfortunate that Taiwan couldn't participate as a country, but I'm very grateful to Japan. The pavilion does an excellent job of showcasing Taiwan's semiconductor technology as well."

*Taiwanese visitors watch a presentation. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura)*

Ruth Chang, Executive Director of the "TECH WORLD" pavilion, said approximately 3,000 visitors attended on the first day alone.

"The very first visitors were Taiwanese. Some were moved to tears," she commented. "We want this to be a powerful opportunity to showcase Taiwan's strength in semiconductor technology."

No Taiwan Flags on Venue Maps

Because Taiwan is not a member of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), it is participating under the name of a private company — Tamayama Digital Tech Co, Ltd. The pavilion is listed simply as "TECH WORLD" on venue maps, with no mention of Taiwan's name or flag.

*Kaohsiung City Councilor Tiunn Phok-iong with Expo 2025 souvenirs. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura)*

Justin Tseng, a Taiwan native living in Hong Kong, also attended. He had previously visited World Expos in Hanover (2000), Aichi (2005), and Shanghai (2010).

"Expos are windows into the future, and I have high hopes for this one," he shared. "Although this is a private exhibit, I hope Taiwan will one day participate as an officially recognized country."

Kaohsiung City Councilor Tiunn Phok-iong, after touring the pavilion, commented, "The Expo is a stage where countries showcase their national strength. It's unfortunate that Taiwan's name cannot be used, but this is still a valuable opportunity to show our presence."

He also remarked, "It would have been nice to see more emphasis on Taiwan in the exhibits."

Taiwan Festival

In conjunction with the Expo's opening, a Taiwan festival was held on April 12 and 13 in Osaka's Umeda district. Organized by the Indo-Pacific Strategy Think Tank (IPST), led by CEO Akio Yaita, the event aimed to highlight Taiwan as a unique and independent culture. Many of the Taiwanese tour participants also went to the festival.

Tuo Liu, Deputy Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Osaka, attended the festival's opening ceremony. He said, "Taiwan and Osaka have a close and supportive relationship. Taiwan is actively investing in Japan's IT industry — we complement each other. Taiwan fully supports the Expo."

*A girl poses for a photo at the Taiwan festival. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura)*

The festival attracted not only Taiwanese visitors and residents but also many locals. They enjoyed live performances by Taiwanese artists and more. Although Taiwan could not officially participate as a nation, the Expo has undoubtedly deepened the connection between Taiwan and Japan.