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Technology, Innovation, and the Future of Work

A few days after the opening of Expo 2025 Osaka, I was fortunate enough to spend three full days on Yumeshima Island wandering over its vast grounds. I walked more than 50 kilometers and immersed myself in the world’s most ambitious display of innovation, culture, and architecture. With my curiosity as my guide, I visited 25 pavilions from around the world—each with its own perspective on a shared future connected by technology, sustainability, and human potential.

All photos by Matteo Belfiore

This is the first of a three-part series in which I will examine some of the themes that I noticed during my visit, beginning with one theme that was incredibly strongly emphasized across the Expo: Technology, Innovation, and the Future of Work, which captured my attention. In exploring national showcases and corporate experiments, I noticed that the goal was not just to display gadgets or futuristic design, but to collectively rethink the way we live, connect and work in a rapidly changing world. This domain considers how countries participating in Expo are envisioning decades to come as they grapple with transformative technology, the urgent need for sustainability, and the changing landscape of global labor. With the series of thoughtfully curated pavilions – Japan, Germany, the British Pavilion, Pasona, Sanaa, the Ocean Pavilion, and the enigmatic Null – I will unpack their futuristic visions and their innovative approaches.

Following this expedition through the world of tomorrow, the second part of this report will center on the core and essence of countries with reference to Culture, Tradition, and National Identity. Pavillions here will include the stories, memory, identity, showcased by Italy, Spain, France, Poland, Hungary, Belgium, Austria, Portugal, the Netherlands and the entire Europe.

The last part will look at the global crisis related to Environment, Nature, and New Sustainability. This will look at the issue of ecology, the management of natural resources, and what balance can be made regarding environmental sustainability for the future. Here there are different approaches brought by the Nordic Countries, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Emirates, and Kuwait, together with the Women’s Pavilion and the Forest of Civilization.

Of all the diverse sub-themes that form part of the expansive Yumeshima island venue, that of Technology, Innovation and the Future of Work is arguably one of the most pertinent areas of exploration. As technology continuously disrupts industries and remakes our relationship with work, nations face pivotal questions: How can technology support sustainable development? What new or innovative technologies will support the economies of the future? And how will the future of work look with the introduction of automation, artificial intelligence, and a requisite for environmental sustainability?

The displays in this thematic area are not merely a snapshot of present-day technologies, but rather well-crafted stories of collective deliberation — each attempting to respond collectively to the question: what will our work, and lives, look like in the face of a rapidly evolving technological future and imperative for sustainability?

Japan pavilion: a symphony of design, sustainability, and future vision

At Expo 2025 Osaka, the Japan Pavilion represents the nation’s ideals of a technologically advanced and sustainable future. The pavilion was designed by Oki Sato (Nendo) and Nikken Sekkei and reflects the theme of “Between Lives,” which recognizes the cycles of life and interconnectedness of all beings.

Its circular structure of cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels symbolizes the cyclical nature of life.  This design expresses traditional Japanese aesthetics and reinforces their commitment to being environmentally responsible. The panels were constructed from Japanese cedar and are designed in such a way as to allow them to be disassembled easily and reused in construction projects across Japan after the Expo, reflecting their commitment to sustainability.  In a new approach to energy consumption, the pavilion also incorporates a biogas plant, which processes organic waste generated at the Expo. Microorganisms decompose the waste, and the biogas produced by this process is turned back into energy to help power the pavilion.

The pavilion is arranged into three separate thematic zones: the Farm Area, Plant Area, and Factory Area. Each area is experienced through immersive interactions that share Japan's technological innovations and sustainable practices. In the Farm Area, visitors learn about the possibilities of growing microalgae in photobioreactors and transforming sunlight and CO₂ into organic substances of value. The Plant Area demonstrates how waste is converted into water and materials and the interconnectedness of natural cycles they are part of. The Factory Area focuses on sustainable manufacturing through displaying furniture made of algae-based bioplastics designed for disassembly and reuse.

"Wa! Germany": a circular vision for tomorrow’s work and innovation

The German Pavilion, "Wa! Germany," embodies a vision for technological advancement and sustainable living. The pavilion was designed by LAVA, as a circular building to symbolize circular economy principles associated with zero waste and efficiency. The timber materials and mycelium composites used to build the pavilion show how future buildings have the potential to move forward in harmony with nature and to minimize the negative impacts on the environment.

Inside, Kawaii-inspired characters, "Circulars," help attendees navigate the elements of the pavilion, and turn complex principles of sustainability into simple and intuitive. The Circulars guide visitors through dynamic and immersive displays that demonstrate closed-loop systems, innovative sustainable urban environments and the relationship between the biosphere and technosphere. The pavilion also portrays advancements in bio-based plastic and mycelium materials, revealing advanced paths to sustainable living.

The pavilion's design extends beyond its walls, incorporating a green rooftop for both aesthetic and practical purposes, such as rainwater retention and climate moderation.  This holistic design demonstrates Germany's intent to create environments where technology and engagement with nature coexist seamlessly.

"Wa! Germany," will allow attendees to explore how the possibilities of a sustainable future can be achieved through technology and innovation within our everyday lives and work. The Pavilion allows visitors to witness tangible examples of circular economy principles and engage in global discussions about creating resilient and sustainable societies.

Blue Ocean Dome: Shigeru Ban’s sustainable vision for ocean stewardship

This pavilion, designed by celebrated architect Shigeru Ban in partnership with ZERI Japan, focuses on the protection of the oceans. It is representative of the Osaka Blue Ocean Vision, which aims to eliminate additional marine plastic pollution by 2050.

The structure consists of three distinct domes, each made of sustainable materials like bamboo, carbon fiber and recycled paper tubes. Dome A, connected to the theme of "circulation", has a bamboo frame that allows the light to come through. Dome B, being the largest dome, contains a carbon fiber structure (lightweight and strong) to hold the immersive exhibits on ocean conservancy. Dome C is built with of recycled paper tubes and works as an informational hub, hosting events focused on ocean preservation.

The Blue Ocean Dome is conceived to provide a multisensory experience. Visitors engage with interactive installations, such as the impressive artwork at the entrance, realized with an ultra-water repellant material and depicting water circulation. A giant dome screen presents an astounding video dedicated to the reality of marine pollution.

After the conclusion of the Expo, the pavilion will be moved to the Maldives, consistently with its sustainable design, and purpose to marine conservation efforts. The Blue Ocean Dome serves to showcase how innovative architecture, and environmental activism can come together to motivate people to sustain our oceans.

Uk pavilion: where ai meets creativity

The UK Pavilion, with the theme "Come Build the Future", demonstrates the UK's vision as a creative and innovative country, and as a forward-thinking and developing economy with strong technological and sustainable aspirations. Designed by Woo Architects with ES Global, the pavilion uses modular building systems and is based on a child's toy building blocks, a metaphor for how aspirational we can be if we take simple ideas and turn them into future innovations that can also change the world. 

Sustainable construction is integral to the pavilion thanks to the principles of the Global Modular System, which allows it to be easily assembled, dismantled, and relocated with the least impact on the environment. The building is constructed from materials like folded perforated aluminum strands inspired by early computing technologies in the UK and its punched cards. The flat roof offers opportunities for solar and wind power, demonstrating Britain's ambitions to build a low-carbon future.

Accompanied by PIX, a mascot made of red, white, and blue building blocks representing exploration and creativity in the future, visitors will experience a 20-minute immersive journey with a guide highlighting British innovations across multiple sectors and highlighting ongoing and global reasons for optimism. Visitors will engage with the United Kingdom's innovations and contributions to technology development and solutions to world problems through interactive exhibitions and gamification. The UK Pavilion encourages the world to work together to create solutions for the future, while delivering an idea of innovation and sustainability for the future.

Pasona Natureverse: a vision of human-centric innovation and sustainability

The Pasona Group presents a pioneering exhibit which weaves future possibilities incorporating technology, innovation, and sustainability for a place where humanity can live in harmony with nature.

Conceived by Satoshi Itasaka of The Design Labo, the pavilion’s architecture was influenced by the spiral of ammonites which reminds continuity and transformation. This spiral symbolizes the three themes which consist of Body, Mind, and Bonds. Under the "Body" theme, visitors can explore the potentials of medical technology including "Future Me", developed with CYBERDYNE. The "Mind" theme acknowledges the importance of mental wellness and 'sense of purpose', in establishing a truly compassionate society with inclusive diversity. The "Bonds" theme focuses on building a reciprocal society, where people provide help to one another, building a sense of community and shared responsibility.

Sustainability is an inherent idea within the pavilion concept. The use of Cyvis (a vital health data monitor) and Acoustic X (a device visualizing micro vessels) clearly show how these technologies enable stepped changes toward a more sustainable future. The pavilion showcases the new opportunities which appear when sustainability and technology unite, revealing a place where we can all realize our ability to live meaningful lives in balance with nature.

Better Co-Being: A Vision of resonant futures

The pavilion, conceived by Professor Hiroaki Miyata from Keio University and designed by SANAA, reimagine the built environment as an open, inclusive ecosystem. It is grounded in the idea of "resonance"—the idea that individuals and communities can co-evolve in shared knowledge and through collaborative actions.

The pavilion features a distinctive "luminous echorb," immersive artwork by photographer and director Mika Ninagawa. The installation is augmented by the "Better Co-Being" app, which personalize the visitor's journey and provoke deep reflection on the relationship of self to others and self to world.

The pavilion is designed to expand into a global virtual version, using Web3 technology. Online visitors from around the world can also explore the majority of the pavilion's messages and record their own "Journals" of the experience, transforming individualized reflections into collective narrative. Through every facet of the architecture, SANAA reaffirm the pavilion's message: namely that a future of coexistence not only exists, but it is also already in existence.

null²: a digital nature odyssey by Yoichi Ochiai and Noiz

Envisioned by media artist and scientist Yoichi Ochiai, and molded by architectural firm NOIZ, this peculiar pavilion explores the theme of "Forging Lives," providing visitors with an immersive experience of the physical realm merging with the digital realm. The pavilion's structure was constructed out of modules that resemble voxels, while the exterior is a mirrored reflective surface that dynamically engages one's perception of the environment. The design itself challenges commonplace understandings of architecture as well as urges consideration of digital nature in daily life.

Inside, visitors participate in interactive installations that digitize parts of their bodies in a direct interaction with the autonomous digital forms of themselves. In this "digital body-based infinity mirror" visitors are invited to experience momentum around exploration and introspection of their interaction with the world, technology, and environment. A golden robotic arm, inspired by the historically celebrated Golden Tea Room, engages with the membrane of the space in which it is located, blends the past and present.

In addition to the physical pavilion, null² is also a virtual space with a platform to engage themes with virtual guests via augmented reality and remote engaged audiences. This digital space adds a layer of accessibility to the pavilion and a global integration for visitors.