Four Months After the Expo Closing, What Remains at the Site: Progress on the Demolition of the Ring, Sparse Pavilions
Four months after the Osaka-Kansai Expo's closure, demolition progresses on key structures at the site, including the iconic 'Big Roof Ring' and various international pavilions.
As the Osaka-Kansai Expo concluded four months ago, the site at Yumeshima in Osaka is undergoing significant changes, marked by the ongoing demolition of its iconic structures. The 'Big Roof Ring', recognized as the largest wooden structure by the Guinness World Records, has seen portions removed from its southeastern and western sides, while parts of the eastern segment remain standing but stripped down to their frames. Heavy machinery, including large cranes, works diligently at the site, targeting many of the international pavilions that delighted visitors during the expo.
The Japan International Exhibition Association has announced that the demolition of the Ring is expected to be completed by August 2027, excluding approximately 200 meters of the northeastern section. Following this, the entire venue will be cleared, with plans to return the land to the city of Osaka by February 2028. This timeline indicates a careful plan for post-expo site restoration, underscoring commitments to repurpose the space efficiently and prepare for future developments that may arise in the area.
With the backdrop of the site's transformation, anticipation builds for the next international event in Osaka, the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, scheduled for April 13 to October 13, 2025. Observers are keen to see how the city's infrastructure and urban landscape evolve in the wake of this expo and what legacies will be left behind as the city prepares to welcome a new wave of visitors and innovations that accompany such global events.