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ATA Japan members showcased at World Expo 2025 in Osaka

Swatches | July 1, 2025 | By: ATA

The Future City pavilion at Osaka World Expo 2025. It is lit up at night and glowing a turquoise color against a deep blue sky.
The Future City pavilion, which showcases advanced urban concepts and transformative technologies, is made of a polyester mesh coated with PVC and titanium dioxide, which allows it to be self-cleaning with sunlight and rain while also reducing pollution in the air. It spans 150 meters (492 feet) in length. Image: Taiyo Kogyo

ATA Japan members Yamaguchi New Shelter Industries Inc. and Taiyo Kogyo feature prominently in the pavilion and shade structures at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, which began April 13 and runs until Oct. 13.

The Future of Life pavilion at Osaka World Expo 2025 is black and curved and has mist effects at the bottom surrounding it.
The Future of Life pavilion is constructed with an i-Mesh facade combined with a waterfall and mist effects. Inside, exhibits present objects from prehistory to today and explore what life may be like in 2075 and 3025. Image: Taiyo Kogyo

Yamaguchi New Shelter Industries Inc.’s contributions to the Expo include the Japan Pavilion, Bahrain Pavilion, Republic of Korea Pavilion, Pavilion of the State of Kuwait, NTT Pavilion, shade structures for sales facilities and awnings for dining areas.

At ATA Japan’s January meeting, Nobuyuki Yamaguchi emphasized the company’s vision, “Wrap the Future,” which promotes sustainable membrane architecture and eco-friendly design solutions highlighted via the projects at the Expo.

The State of Kuwait's pavilion at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, lit up at night in blue and lavender. It is made of curved tension fabric
Yamaguchi New Shelter Industries Inc. worked with LAVA (Laboratory for Visionary Architecture) on the State of Kuwait’s pavilion, Visionary Lighthouse. Image: LAVA (Laboratory for Visionary Architecture)/Roland Halbe

Taiyo Kogyo’s work is featured in the Future City pavilion, the Future of Life pavilion, the Playground of Life: Jellyfish Pavilion, Osaka Healthcare pavilion and Kansai pavilion. Notable examples include the development of a mirrored membrane facade for the null² pavilion and the Grand Ring skylight roofing, which required the integration of more than 200 components with varying dimensions.

ATA Japan board member Eddie Nohmura says his company views its past participation in World Expos as foundational to its growth, driving advancements in materials, engineering and construction techniques. For example, domed sports arenas developed out of its work presented at the 1970 World Expo, the last time the event took place in Osaka.

The NTT Pavilion is a white square building at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. It has colorful fluffy decorations on one visible side.
Yamaguchi New Shelter Industries Inc. contributed pavilions and shade structures to the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan, including the NTT Pavilion, where the telecommunications company is showcasing its technology. Image: Yamaguchi New Shelter Industries Inc.

The World Expo, held every five years, showcases new technologies and innovations addressing global challenges. With 158 participating countries, nine international organizations and numerous domestic/foreign companies, the World Expo 2025 is expected to attract more than 28 million visitors, bringing together innovative technologies and cultural exhibits under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”

A portable sauna, lit up at night. It is a vertical fabric structure somewhat resembling a teepee but with four petals . Multiple people can sit inside.
Taiyo Tsubomi portable saunas are made of aluminum framing and ETFE film. The sauna’s inflatable frame can be compactly stored and transported. Image: Taiyo Kogyo

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