What is World Expo? A collection of records through history ahead of Expo 2025 in Osaka
As we approach this year’s Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, we take a look at some remarkable record achievements that have happened during the infamous universal exhibition.
But before we start, what exactly is Expo?
Word Expo is used to refer to an exhibition, from the French term "exposition universelle" meaning "universal exhibition".
World Expo, which will be held in Japan this year, is a large global exhibition that was designed for nations to showcase their achievements, innovations, and cultures.
The first one was held in 1851, and they usually occur every five years running typically between three and six months.
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan will open its doors in April and is already making history with the impressive record-breaking ‘Grand Ring’ - an official achievement verified even before the Expo begins.
Designed by renowned architect Sousuke Fujimoto, and achieved by the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, the 61,035.55 m² (656,981 ft² 28 in²) ring symbolizes "unity in diversity".
This monumental ring is the world’s largest wooden architectural structure, and it will surround numerous international pavilions at the Expo.
But which records came before this one?
Expo 2020 Dubai
Expo 2020 Dubai, which opened its doors in 2021 due to the pandemic, became a hub for numerous record-breaking attempts.
A prime example is the Saudi Arabian Pavilion which grabbed three incredible innovative records for the following:
- Longest interactive water feature - measuring 32.234 m
- Largest interactive lighting display - consisting of 7,798 lights
- Largest LED mirror screen display - measuring 1302.5 m²
Reflecting the theme “The Sky is the Limit”, the pavilion’s interactive displays told the story of Saudi Arabia’s past, present, and future.
Beyond being an impressive architectural structure, its sustainability build was a key focus as 41% of materials used were sustainable, and 82% of construction waste was recycled.
Another creative initiative came from DPartners Global (Kazakhstan) who achieved the most people in an online video chain using and passing a paint brush.
As 260 participants 'shared' one brush in the online world, a real-life masterpiece was being created at Expo 2020 Dubai.
The painting, which was titled "The World Painting", was contributed to by around 1,900 people from more than 193 countries.
Another notable record from Expo 2020 Dubai include the longest line of cinnamon rolls/buns -1,550, achieved by Mister Baker (UAE) at Swedish Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai
Expo 2015 Milan
The fashion capital of the world also had its own share of record titles during Milan Expo 2015.
The largest plotted image was a breathtaking spectacle with an immense surface area of 878.7466 m² (9,458.7497 ft²).
Featured on the Future Food District (FFD) pavilion, it placed visitors’ portraits over one another to create an incredible digital graphic.
The record was achieved by Carlo Ratti Associati, Coop, INRES, Decsia, Dotdotdot, (all Italy), Nussli (Switzerland) and Sikkens – Akzo Nobel (Holland).
The Expo also witnessed a record attempt in celebration of the Indonesian Independence Day for the tallest tumpeng.
Achieved by Artha Graha Peduli, the dish stood at 2.28 m (7 ft 5 in).
Tumpeng consists of turmeric-flavoured rice and is shaped into a cone or columns, it is served with other traditional Indonesian dishes.
Did You Know?
World Expos have a history of leaving behind iconic structures.
The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 Paris Expo, while the Statue of Liberty was showcased at the 1876 Philadelphia Expo before making its way to New York. The Atomium in Brussels, created for Expo 1958, remains a striking landmark today.
More recently, Al Wasl Dome, the centrepiece of Expo 2020 Dubai, became the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface and continues to serve as a cultural hub in the city. These events don’t just celebrate innovation - they shape skylines for generations!
We can’t wait to see what Osaka has in store for us!