The “Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan” global exhibition will be held from 13 April until 13 October. More than 160 countries, regions and international organisations have been considering the topic of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” and will be presenting their ideas in a host of different ways.
Austria’s contribution, with the slogan “Composing the Future”, will focus on the interplay of innovation, business and culture for a future with a high standard of living. The pavilion has been divided into three spaces in which 65 projects and events will be presented or take place.
The “Innovation Lab Austria” showcases the wealth of ideas and inventiveness of the Austrian companies, start-ups, research institutions and organisations that have submitted solutions, products and services for a responsible and sustainable future. The Expo will see some 90 projects presented in ten categories, including Green Tech, Health, Mobility, the Creative Industry and Tourism.
The Austrian pavilion will also be exploring the connection between technology and art. Students from the Mozarteum in Salzburg have developed a soundtrack for the exhibition featuring exclusive compositions in the style of Viennese Classicism, while the historic Osaka folding screen from Schloss Eggenberg in Graz, Austria, will be conjured up with interactive animations and augmented reality.
On Austria’s National Day at the Expo on May 23, the world-famous Vienna Boys' Choir will perform and Mozart's concert violin will be on display and can be heard.
The wooden sculpture at the entrance to the Austrian pavilion links traditional wooden architecture and modern construction techniques and is itself a symbol of all these connections, with a musical stave showing the first bars of the “Ode to Joy”.
There will also be other highlights from Austria to be admired and acquired in the heart of the Japanese capital, and the “Austrian Takeover” of Tokyo’s Monocle Shop will ensure the outlet is entirely focused on Austrian crafts and design during Expo 2025.
The “Austrian Craft Corner” will present a curated selection of some 40 products from 16 Austrian firms, including exquisite porcelain pieces, elegant fashion, functional travel accessories and extraordinary scented creations from the likes of Augarten in Vienna, BE […] MY FRIEND, CLARISSAKORK, J.T. Kalmar, Kamarg, KARAK and LOOOPS.
The hand-picked exhibits are exemplary instances of Austria’s innovative spirit, aesthetic sense and craftsmanship. Every product tells a story – from centuries-old tradition to modern design ideas.
The products are available for purchase in the shop or via MONOCLE’s online platform.
