The 2025 Osaka Expo, a World's Fair aimed at fostering global unity and showcasing innovation, is set to open on Sunday in Osaka, Japan. Despite global turmoil and lukewarm public enthusiasm, the six-month event promises a myriad of futuristic attractions and displays from over 160 countries, regions, and organizations.

Visitors to the Expo will be greeted by an array of exhibits, including a Mars meteorite, a beating heart grown from stem cells, and Hello Kitty sculptures made of algae. The vast waterfront site is encircled by the "Grand Ring," a towering wooden latticework intended to symbolize unity. However, against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts and economic uncertainties, the Expo's theme of global harmony faces significant challenges.

Ukraine's booth features a sign declaring "Not for sale," a clear message reflecting the country's defiance in the face of the war with Russia, which is not participating in the Expo. In contrast, Israel's pavilion focuses on a message of peace, featuring a stone from Jerusalem's Western Wall. The Palestinian pavilion was not yet open during a recent press preview.

The United States exhibit highlights the nation's diverse landscapes, AI technology, and space exploration, including a simulated rocket launch. Notably absent is any mention of former President Donald Trump's trade tariffs. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of attractions, such as the world's longest sushi conveyor belt, meet the Expo's mascot Myaku-Myaku, and experience a "human washing machine" that visualizes the bather's heart rate.

Sustainability is a key theme throughout the Expo, exemplified by the Swiss pavilion's aim to minimize its ecological footprint. However, the temporary nature of Expos has drawn criticism, as the Osaka site is slated to be cleared after the event to make way for a casino resort. Only a small fraction of the Grand Ring will be reused.

The Osaka Expo, also known as a World's Fair, follows a tradition that began with London's 1851 Crystal Palace exhibition. Held every five years, the Expo aims to "restore much-needed connections" after the pandemic-related postponement of the 2020 Dubai edition. Osaka previously hosted the Expo in 1970, attracting 64 million visitors. However, current public enthusiasm is lower, with advance ticket sales below target.

Several factors contribute to the tepid response, including inflation, a booming tourism industry in Japan that has driven up accommodation costs, and a lack of viral online buzz. Organizers hope that increased social media engagement will boost ticket sales as the Expo gets underway.