By KAZUHITO SUWA/ Staff Writer
March 18, 2025 at 17:52 JST
The metaverse space of the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo (©NTT Corp.)
The Osaka Kansai Expo will be the first world’s fair that will be accessible to people who cannot travel to the venue.
Instead, the pavilions, exhibitions and wonders can be explored in virtual reality with a free app.
The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, which is organizing the expo, is scheduled to release the Virtual Expo-Yumeshima Islands in the Sky- app in early April, before the expo’s opening.
The app can be downloaded on smartphones, tablets and personal computers for free. The app can also be used with some types of VR goggles.
Users can choose their avatars and explore a metaverse in which 12 islands, along with gates, pavilions, the expo’s huge roof ring and other highlights, float in the air.
The exterior and interior of each virtual pavilion has been designed by the participating countries, regions and private companies.
Inside these pavilions, the displays can be experienced not only as they are in the physical world, since alternate options and videos of events can also be added, creating presentations unique to the virtual spaces.
User avatars can communicate with each other through text messages, stamps and gestures as well.
This app will be the first of its kind in world expo history.
The 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo opens on April 13, but advance ticket sales have only reached half of the 14 million target.
When asked if the app might discourage people from visiting the actual venue, the official in charge of the app replied, “Without visiting the venue in person, people cannot enjoy the expo’s activities and food. We’re positioning the app as a digital catalog to promote visiting the actual venue.”
The virtual expo is also designed to include people who would have difficulty coming to the venue. The association plans to bring devices to nursing facilities and other sites to help these groups experience the expo.
The app can also be used overseas. The association has set a goal of a total of 200 million accesses to the virtual space.
The app has been developed by an NTT group company and is being provided to the association free of charge.
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