Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai — BLUE OCEAN DOME
The Osaka–Kansai Expo will finally open on April 13, 2025. Hara Kenya and Hara Design Institute are leading the exhibition concept and direction for the "BLUE OCEAN DOME," presented by NPO ZERI Japan.
The pavilion’s theme is the "Revival of the Ocean," with three interconnected domes. The journey begins with a spectacular, giant, pure, and intricate representation of "water," where droplets roll and weave dynamically across a pristine white surface, symbolizing the water cycle from mountain rain to the sea.
Passing through a tunnel-like corridor, visitors encounter a 10-meter-diameter ultra-high-definition hemispherical screen, vividly portraying the clash between ocean pollution and the brilliance of marine life with astonishing realism.
In the final space, events and documentary films by experts from Japan and abroad will suggest paths to restore the oceans. Visitors can also enjoy a unique tasting experience, "Ultra-Pure Water of Sea and Mountains," by culinary researcher Yoshiharu Doi, and purchase a special book summarizing the pavilion’s message.
The dome structures themselves, designed by architect Shigeru Ban using bamboo, CFRP, and paper tubes, are another highlight.
We invite you to rediscover the miracle and crisis of our water planet, Earth, through an unforgettable experience.
BLUE OCEAN DOME
Dates｜April 13 – October 13, 2025
Venue｜Yumeshima Expo Site, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Web｜https://zeri.jp/expo2025/
The pavilion’s theme is the "Revival of the Ocean," with three interconnected domes. The journey begins with a spectacular, giant, pure, and intricate representation of "water," where droplets roll and weave dynamically across a pristine white surface, symbolizing the water cycle from mountain rain to the sea.
Passing through a tunnel-like corridor, visitors encounter a 10-meter-diameter ultra-high-definition hemispherical screen, vividly portraying the clash between ocean pollution and the brilliance of marine life with astonishing realism.
In the final space, events and documentary films by experts from Japan and abroad will suggest paths to restore the oceans. Visitors can also enjoy a unique tasting experience, "Ultra-Pure Water of Sea and Mountains," by culinary researcher Yoshiharu Doi, and purchase a special book summarizing the pavilion’s message.
The dome structures themselves, designed by architect Shigeru Ban using bamboo, CFRP, and paper tubes, are another highlight.
We invite you to rediscover the miracle and crisis of our water planet, Earth, through an unforgettable experience.
BLUE OCEAN DOME
Dates｜April 13 – October 13, 2025
Venue｜Yumeshima Expo Site, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Web｜https://zeri.jp/expo2025/
Credits
Organizer: ZERI JAPAN*Architectural Design: SHIGERU BAN ARCHITECTS*
Production and Project Management: Kenya HARA + Hara Design Institute, Nippon Design
Art Director: Kenya Hara
Designer: Kenya Hara, Kaoru Matsuno, Yuina Suzuki, Shimpei Nakamura, Asaki Hoshino
Copywriter: Kenya Hara, Karen Asai, Ryuji Domeki, Kaoru Karumai,
Movie / Web: Hiroshi Hosokawa, Xin Zhong, Masanori Takenawa
Typography(EN): Yongqiang Dai
Interior Design: Takumi Muraoka, Atsuki Nakagawa
Dome A – Engineering: nomena*
Dome B – CG Movie: WOW*
Dome B – Music: Hatis Noit*
Dome C – Menu Production: Yoshiharu Doi*
Interior Lighting: Izumi Okayasu Lighting Design*
Uniform Design: Kosuke Tsumura*
Photo: Riko Okaniwa, Taiki Fukao, Tadashi Endo, Hiroshi Hosokawa, Yohei Ono, Kazuki Majima
Archived Photo: Taiki Fukao, Yohei Ono
Exterior & Interior CG: Kenichi Hashimoto*
Producer: Reiko Yamaguchi, Yoshifumi Nabeta, Rino Miyamoto
*Outsourced