The Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 is drawing attention for its commitment to building a sustainable society, exemplified by the reuse of the iconic “Grand Roof Ring.” As the venue design producer, renowned architect Sou Fujimoto leads this project aimed at reducing waste and maximizing resource efficiency, setting a precedent for a new circular economy.
Provided by: Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition
The Reuse of the “Grand Roof Ring” and Realizing a Sustainable Society
The Osaka-Kansai Expo, opening next April, is not just another exhibition. With its mission to establish a decarbonized and circular society, the Expo has formulated a procurement code that emphasizes sustainability across all phases—before, during, and after the event. The reuse of the “Grand Roof Ring” stands as a hallmark of these efforts.
This “Grand Roof Ring,” designed as a landmark for the Expo, requires extensive construction materials. Rather than disposing of these materials after the event, a detailed plan for their reuse has been developed. The project is overseen by Sou Fujimoto, an internationally acclaimed architect with numerous awards. Fujimoto has stated, “It is crucial not only to reuse materials but also to add new creative value to them.”
On December 9, an event at Tokyo Midtown will bring together key figures involved in this initiative to discuss specific strategies for material reuse. Speakers include Fujimoto, Yasushi Nagami, Director of the Sustainability Division at the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, and Seiichi Saito, Director of the Expo 2025 Co-Creation Program.
The motivation behind these discussions stems from the urgent need to address global environmental challenges. The mass disposal of construction materials contributes directly to greenhouse gas emissions, while establishing a resource circulation system forms the foundation of a sustainable society. The Osaka-Kansai Expo is envisioned not merely as a showcase of future technologies but as a “testing ground” for addressing real-world societal issues. The reuse of the “Grand Roof Ring” marks a significant step in this direction, potentially setting a new standard for circular economy initiatives.
Sou Fujimoto
Founder, Sou Fujimoto Architects
Born in Hokkaido in 1971, Fujimoto graduated from the Department of Architecture, University of Tokyo, and established Sou Fujimoto Architects in 2000. He has received numerous awards, including the Grand Prize at the Montpellier International Design Competition (L’Arbre Blanc) in 2014, and several first prizes in European international design competitions from 2015 to 2018. In Japan, he serves as the Venue Design Producer for the 2025 World Expo. Notable works include the House of Music in Budapest (2021), Ishinomaki Cultural Complex (2021), and L’Arbre Blanc (2019).
Yasushi Nagami
Director, Sustainability Division, Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition
A graduate of Sophia University, Nagami joined the Environment Agency in 1996 and later gained experience in Germany and with Japan’s Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, focusing on renewable energy. He served as Director of the Environmental Education Promotion Office at the Ministry of Environment and has held his current position since January 2022.
Seiichi Saito
Founder, Panoramatiks / Director, Expo 2025 Co-Creation Program
Born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1975, Saito studied architecture at Columbia University (MSAAD). He founded Rhizomatiks (now Abstract Engine) in 2006 and later launched Panoramatiks in 2020, focusing on cross-disciplinary solutions in regional design, tourism, and digital transformation. He serves as the Chairperson of the Good Design Award Jury for 2024 and is the Director of the Co-Creation Program for Expo 2025.
Event Details:
Date: Monday, December 9, 2024
Time: 19:00–20:40 (Reception opens at 18:45)
Venue: International Design Liaison Center, Tokyo Midtown Design Hub (Midtown Tower 5F, Akasaka 9-7-1, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Speakers:
Sou Fujimoto (Founder, Sou Fujimoto Architects)
Yasushi Nagami (Director, Sustainability Division, Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition)
Seiichi Saito (Founder, Panoramatiks / Director, Expo 2025 Co-Creation Program)
Admission: Free
Co-hosted by: Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition and Japan Institute of Design Promotion
Produced by: Seiichi Saito, Minoru Sasaki, Yuki Mori (Panoramatiks)
Supported by: Peatix Japan