The World Expo 2025 was officially opened on Saturday in Osaka Bay in the presence of Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
The event is being held on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay. Surrounding the expo is the ‘Grand Ring’, a two-kilometre-long and 20-metre-high wooden structure symbolising the themes of diversity and unity.
Over the next six months, until 13 October, more than 160 countries, regions, and international organisations will showcase their ideas on the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”.
The Belgian pavilion will focus on vaccines and medical innovation.
Organisers hope to attract 28 million visitors, though current polls indicate lower-than-expected interest among the Japanese public.
Osaka last hosted the expo in 1970, drawing 64 million visitors.
