Japan pavilion new
The Japanese pavilion is located in the Opportunity District and will feature a design combining traditional Arabesque and Asanoha patterns on its exteriors. Image Credit: Supplied
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Dubai: Drawing from the delicate - and difficult - task of origami, Japan in its Expo 2020 Dubai offering has covered its facade in cranes.

When the pavilion, located in the Opportunity District, opens its doors to the public in October, it hopes to introduce not just such structures that have become inextricable from Japan's image but also new acts that visitors can discover. The theme it's operating under is ‘Where Ideas Meet’ and towards this purpose, it will bring forth an assortment of cultural history, hospitality, cuisine, and technology.

Visitors at the pavilion will also be able to experience Omotenashi, or Japanese hospitality.

What is Omotenashi?
“Omote” means your true face – an image you wish to present to outsiders - whereas “Nashi” means nothing. The term Omotenashi was largely inspired by the poetry of tea master Sen no Rikyu, where he says: “Though you wipe your hands and brush off the dust and dirt from the vessels, what is the use of all this fuss if the heart is still impure?” Omotenashi focuses on a pure heart, rather than a flawless set of skills – it calls for service that is done wholeheartedly.

Located in the Opportunity District, here’s all you need to know about one of the most ergonomically designed pavilions:

Combining two art forms

A combination of traditional Arabesque and Asanoha patterns, the Japan Pavilion was inspired by architect Yuko Nagayama’s depiction of connectivity. Taking a leaf out of Expo 2020’s book of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, the pavilion’s architecture revolves around the cultural and the technological connection between Japan and the Middle East.

While the art styles are culturally different, they are similar in design, leading to a good fit for a 3D geometric lattice that acts as an environmental filter.

Water will also play an essential role to the sustainability-driven pavilion, as it will help cool the temperature in the area, and will also reflect the 3D exterior.

Japan Pavilion’s logo

Designed by Yutaka Masuda – Art Director and Graphic Designer, SUN-AD Co., Ltd. – the Japan Pavilion’s logo symbolises the joining of hands and diversity.

The red triangles – all of which are different shapes and sizes – represent the holding of hands to form a circle. The loosely-formed circle represents flexibility, with an integrated set of ideas that will emerge from refining and uniting multiple thoughts to achieve a shared future.

A well-lit staff

How do you make a fashion statement using eco-friendly materials - ask designer Morinaga Kunihiko, who has created a look that features a retroreflective pattern that reveals intricate designs using motifs such as circles, triangles and squares when light hits it. These motifs combine to form a network of heart shapes.

The uniform comprises a jacket, trousers or Japanese hakama pants, a pair of sneakers, a flat hat in a heart shape, and a bag. The uniforms were designed to suit every body type.

What can visitors expect at the pavilion?

One of the exhibitions at the Japan pavilion
One of the exhibitions at the Japan pavilion Image Credit: Supplied

The Japanese pavilion will connect the past, present and the future. This concept will be presented through five exhibitions and events.

The presentations include ‘Wondrous Encounter’, ‘Nature and Culture’, ‘Innovation’, ‘Issues’ and ‘Where ideas meet’.

Apart from this, the pavilion will have dynamic projections, light installations, and an immersive audio experience.

Through the use of cutting-edge technologies, visitors will be able to delve into a variety of senses and be a part of a futuristic experience.

The Japanese pavilion will also have a floating mist feature, through which visitors can explore and discover the wonders of Japanese scenery, history and innovative ideas.

A star-studded affair

pokemon-pexels
Image used for illustrative purposes only Image Credit: Pexels

The Japanese pavilion has a long line of ambassadors who have come together to be a part of Japan’s unified vision at the Expo. The ambassadors include:

  • Singer and song-writer, Kamon Tatsuo;
  • Pop group, Kanjani Eight
  • Astronaut, Yamazaki Naoko;
  • Actress, Wakatsuki Yumi;
  • UAE Students in Tokai University Takanawadai High School
  • Anime character Gundam, from popular animated series ‘Mobile Suit Gundam’;
  • and Pokémon.

These appointed ambassadors will have a key role to play in the Japan Pavilion’s experience, although their presence at the venue hasn’t been disclosed yet.

Japan will host Expo 2025 in Osaka. They will be hosting it for the second time, after Expo 1970.

-The writer is an intern with Gulf News.