#Japan #Tokyo #Expo 2025 #Miraikan #Kenta Hikichi

Connecting the Future Exhibition: A Look Back at OSAKA Expo Innovations

Japan’s National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, known as Miraikan and led by director Tomoko Asakawa, is set to host a remarkable exhibition titled 'Connecting the Future Exhibition: Opening Future with Expo.' This event will reflect on the achievements of the OSAKA Kansai Expo, connecting its innovations to future possibilities. From February 18 to April 13, 2026, visitors will be able to witness tangible displays of cutting-edge technologies showcased at the Expo.

Highlighted Innovations

The exhibition will feature key breakthroughs in future food and healthcare. Among the highlights are:

• - Homegrown Marbled Beef: For the first time in Tokyo, this display features marbled beef cultivated from real Wagyu cells, produced via advanced 3D bioprinting technology. It poses questions about how such innovations could transform our dietary habits and culture at home.

Collaborators include the Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University.

• - Cardiac Muscle Sheets from iPS Cells: Developed from human iPS cells, these sheets can restore heart function when transplanted. Visitors can look forward to the pulsating visuals of these sheets, illustrating life’s vitality.

In collaboration with Qualips, Inc.

• - Future Human Washing Machine: Revitalizing technologies first introduced in the 1970 Expo, the 'Future Human Washing Machine' is another star of this exhibition, bringing back the original machine for viewing (though without the bathing experience).

Collaboration with Science Inc.

• - AI Suitcase: A robot designed to guide visually impaired individuals safely, the 'AI Suitcase' underwent successful trials during the Expo, engaged by over 4,800 participants. The ongoing development of this technology highlights the commitment to societal integration and support.

Design and Citizen Engagement

The term “komyaku” emerged as a vibrant symbol of citizen engagement during the Expo, particularly on social media. This grassroots creativity indicates a significant public connection to the Expo's themes, aided by an open design system that fostered community participation.

At the exhibition, rare proposal materials from creative director Kenta Hikichi will be showcased, together with a chronological overview of key events related to the design system. This unique approach has played a critical role in promoting active citizen involvement in public projects.

Moreover, an immersive recreation of the Expo’s encompassing 'Soundscape' feature presents diverse compositions from seven composers, representing themes of life, festival, urban life, forest, water, sky, and earth as a visual and auditory tribute to an interconnected ecosystem.

Architectural Innovations

The Expo's venue featured the 'Large Roof Ring,' a striking architectural feat symbolizing diversity and unity. Additionally, audacious designs by young architects were demonstrated in various facilities, pushing traditional architectural boundaries.

Examples include:

• - Time-scape Pavilion (Kohei Kudo): A resting area reconceptualizing time in space.
• - Responsive Structure Toilets (Yusuke Omata): Innovative designs prioritizing user experience and sustainability.
• - Block-Style Toilets (Takashi Yonezawa): A playful and new approach to restroom architecture.

The exhibition offers a platform for future societal experiments and reflections, showcasing how both technology and design foster new public engagement paradigms.

Event Details

• - Title: Connecting the Future Exhibition: Opening Future with Expo
• - Date: February 18 to April 13, 2026
• - Location: Miraikan, 1F Symbol Zone
• - Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Opening day starts at 1:00 PM)
• - Admission: Free (separate charges for permanent exhibitions and dome theaters)
• - Organizer: Miraikan
• - Support: Japan Association for the 2025 World Expo
• - Creative Direction: Kenta Hikichi (VISIONs)
• - Collaboration: OneTwoTen, COMMONs

For more details, visit the event page.