Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan: Panasonic Group Pavilion “NOMO NO KUNI”—Verification of “Circulation” Façade Design

Osaka, Japan – Panasonic Holdings Corporation (hereinafter “Panasonic HD”) is proceeding with construction of the Panasonic Group Pavilion “NOMO NO KUNI” for the 2025 Japan International Expo (Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan). A mock-up of the facade*, which expresses “circulation” using three-dimensional shape motifs, has been assembled near the proposed construction site for verification.

*Vertical surfaces making up the building exterior

The Panasonic Group is developing its business to realize “an ideal society offering material and spiritual affluence.” Under the theme “Unleash your mind, body, self, and world,” the NOMO NO KUNI pavilion will provide a place where each and every child—especially those of the alpha generation—can realize the concept of “circulation” and experience how objects, the human spirit, sustainability, and wellbeing are all connected, freeing themselves from unconscious assumptions and restrictions to unleash the power of “imagination.” 

The design of the pavilion features approximately 1,400 three-dimensional units (“motifs”) that collectively form a facade expressing “circulation.” The four types of motif range in size from approximately 1.0 meter to 1.5 meters in diameter. Thin organdie will be stretched over their steel frames to create a light and free construction that sways in the wind—an architectural form expressing “freedom” and “diversity” that changes with the wind and weather. 

A 15-meter-high mockup comprising of approximately 80 motifs was assembled near the planned pavilion construction site, and verification was conducted from October 20 through November 1. On November 1, Michiko Ogawa, Panasonic HD Director in charge of Kansai External Relations and EXPO Promotion, joined pavilion architect Yuko Nagayama and other related parties at the site to confirm how the four-color organdie with interwoven metallic fibers looked different depending on the wind and sunlight. That evening, the pavilion was lit up with colored lights, again confirming that the design functioned as planned.

“Since this is a unique structure, a variety of experiments and simulations have been conducted,” said Nagayama. “Although some adjustments were needed, the organdie performed as expected. We will continue to evolve the pavilion to make it exciting for both children and adults.” 

“I hope that by watching the organdie sway in the wind and looking up at the sky through the motifs, children will be inspired and feel that they, too, are included in nature’s embrace,” said Ogawa. “We plan to communicate information about the concept of the experience in the future. We would like to make it an outstanding pavilion.” 

The Panasonic Group will continue to prepare for the exhibition, creating a pavilion where children can envision their hopes for the future through hands-on experiences.