The 2025 Osaka Expo, a World's Fair aimed at uniting humanity through innovation, opened its doors on Sunday amidst global turmoil and lukewarm public enthusiasm. Hosted in Japan, the six-month event showcases futuristic attractions and aims to foster international collaboration, despite ongoing conflicts and economic uncertainties.

The Expo features an array of exhibits from over 160 countries, regions, and organizations, all housed within a vast waterfront site in Osaka. Among the highlights are a Mars meteorite, a beating heart grown from stem cells, and pavilions with outlandish designs, all encircled by the "Grand Ring," a towering latticed wooden structure symbolizing unity. However, the shadow of global conflicts looms large, with a defiant message from Ukraine at its booth and a focus on peace at the Israeli pavilion.

Visitors can explore diverse attractions, including the world's longest sushi conveyor belt, meet the Expo's mascot Myaku-Myaku, and witness bizarre displays such as Hello Kitty sculptures made of algae and a "human washing machine" that visualizes a bather's heart rate. Demonstrations of flying vehicles and the public debut of a tiny artificial heart made from stem cells further highlight the event's innovative spirit.

Sustainability is a key theme throughout the Expo, exemplified by the Swiss pavilion's aim for a minimal ecological footprint. However, concerns have been raised about the temporary nature of Expos, as the man-made island hosting the event is slated to become a casino resort after October, with limited reuse of the Grand Ring.

The Osaka Expo marks Japan's second time hosting the event, following the 1970 Expo that drew a record-breaking 64 million visitors. However, current opinion polls reflect lower enthusiasm, with advance ticket sales falling short of targets. Factors such as inflation, a tourism boom in Osaka, and a lack of viral online buzz contribute to the subdued excitement levels.

Despite these challenges, organizers hope the Expo will restore connections and provide an opportunity to create a better tomorrow, showcasing innovation and fostering international collaboration in a world facing numerous uncertainties.