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- Bureau International des Expositions
5 icons of Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai that have found new homes
Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai was a celebration of innovation, culture, and global collaboration, showcasing objects and artworks that embodied the spirit of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” While the Expo closed its gates on 13 October 2025, many of its most iconic objects have since been given new homes, ensuring their legacy lives on. Here are five remarkable objects from Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai that continue to carry its message for future generations.
1. Red Phone Box from the UK pavilion at Kansai International Airport
The iconic red telephone box that stood in front of the UK pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai was donated to Kansai International Airport (KIX). Decorated with ivy and known as a popular photo spot celebrating British charm, it was unveiled in a ceremony attended by British Consul-General Michael Blyth and Kansai Airports CEO Yoshiyuki Yamaya, who both spoke of the phone box as a lasting emblem connecting the two countries and echoing the airport's own spirit of harmony. The phone box now stands on the south side of Terminal 1, Level 1, near the domestic arrival area. The spot is open 24 hours to all visitors, and the box is planned to stay on display for more than three years as a new photo spot and reminder of the Expo.
2. Italy's bronze bell at Osaka's St. Mary's Cathedral
Cast in bronze by the Marinelli Foundry and brought to Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai by Italy's Molise Region, a monumental 740-kilogram bell was unveiled at the Italy pavilion during Molise's week at the Expo. After the Expo concluded, the bell was transferred to the front garden of Tamatsukuri Catholic Church, where it now stands as a permanent spiritual and cultural legacy of Expo 2025. Also known as St. Mary's Cathedral, the church is the seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Osaka-Takamatsu, and already had ties to the Expo since its parish priest, Father Nuno Alexandre Henriques De Lima, served as Vice-Commissioner of the Holy See pavilion.
3. Cat statue from France’s pavilion finds its way to Okinawa
The Iriomote cat statue, titled "In the Night Forest", is a bronze sculpture by artist Masaru Seto. It was offered to France's pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai by Taketomi Town in Okinawa Prefecture, home to Iriomote Island. The statue was at the centre of the “The heartbeat of the Archipelagos” exhibit exploring the biodiversity links between French Polynesia and Japan's Iriomote. Seen by more than 4.6 million visitors during the Expo, the statue was then installed in Ishigaki City on 30 October 2025 where the town hopes it will share its message of coexistence between people and nature with a wider audience. In return, France gave Taketomi an illustration of the wildcat.
4. Portugal’s tile sculpture in Tokoname
Located at the entrance to Portugal’s pavilion, the A Janela tile sculpture was one of the most photographed spots at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. Commissioned by VisitPortugal and created by ADD FUEL (Diogo Machado), the artwork blends Japanese styles with the traditional Portuguese azulejos tiles. After the Expo, the blue and white sculpture was moved to INAX MUSEUMS in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, where it is on permanent display.
5. From the entrance of the UAE pavilion to Tottori: the second life of a pergola
The pergola that welcomed visitors at the entrance of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has been relocated to Tottori Prefecture, Japan. It now stands at Tottori Kodomo no Kuni, a children's facility, where it serves as a public gathering space for local visitors and families. Its cedar structure echoes the Expo’s Grand Ring, while its shading fabric features patterns inspired by khoos, the traditional Emirati craft of weaving palm fronds.
