World Expo 2025 opens in Osaka city on Sunday with 158 countries and regions taking part.



The expo will be held at Yumeshima, a man-made island in the city.



It features the world's largest wooden architectural structure, "The Grand Ring", which measures about 2 kilometers in circumference.





'Unity in Diversity'



The pavilions of participating countries are housed within it. The Grand Ring expresses the expo's concept of "Unity in Diversity."



Exhibits feature a miniature artificial beating heart made of iPS cells, the latest android models, and "flying cars" with three groups holding flight demonstrations.



Participating nations, regions, and organizations will each be allocated a "National Day." This will provide an opportunity to hold ceremonies and events for guests to further understand unique cultures and traditions.



Countries in the middle of conflicts, such as Ukraine and Palestine will also take part in the expo.



The organizers are expecting over 28 million visitors by October with more than 140,000 visitors arriving on opening day.



Meanwhile, expo organizers say that some countries have postponed their opening for the time being in order to complete preparations. The latest expo information updates will be available on the official website.





The opening ceremony was held on Saturday



The opening ceremony of the 2025 World Expo, themed "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," was held in Osaka on Saturday.



Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, as well as about 1,300 people, including Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and those representing participating countries, attended the ceremony Saturday.



Emperor Naruhito said, "It is my sincere hope that Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan will serve as an opportunity for people around the world to respect not only their own lives, but also the lives of those around them and the various forms of life that exist in nature, and to be inspired to work together to create a sustainable future."



Crown Prince Akishino, who is the event's honorary president, placed his hand over a transparent plate to open a screen. A video of a fanfare performance on the Grand Ring, a wooden structure symbolizing the Expo, was shown.



Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru said, "The world is facing various crises of "division" now. In times such as these, I believe it is extremely meaningful for people from around the globe to come together to discuss the theme of "life" and to be exposed to cutting-edge technology, diverse ways of thinking, and cultures."



High school students from Osaka Prefecture carrying flags of participating countries and international organizations marched as part of the performance.



Traditional kabuki and Japanese drumming was also included.