The TECH WORLD pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is emerging as one of the most talked-about exhibits, drawing thousands of visitors and shining a spotlight on Taiwan’s technological strengths. Hosted by Tamayama Digital Tech Co., Ltd., this privately organized pavilion serves as a powerful platform to present Taiwan’s achievements, especially in the field of semiconductor technology.
Although Taiwan is not officially participating in the Expo due to its non-membership in the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the TECH WORLD pavilion has managed to stand out. The absence of an official country designation has not stopped the exhibit from attracting significant attention. Instead of being labeled as “Taiwan,” the venue is marked simply as “TECH WORLD” on official Expo maps. No national flag is displayed, and the participation is handled entirely through private organization. However, the strong visitor turnout and positive reactions underline the importance and impact of Taiwan’s unofficial presence.
The design of the pavilion is inspired by Taiwan’s rugged mountain ranges, offering visitors a unique architectural experience from the moment they approach the building. Inside, the experience becomes even more engaging. A total of 560 screens move in gentle, coordinated patterns, mimicking the motion of flowers swaying in the wind. A large cylindrical screen at the center displays high-resolution visuals of Taiwan’s natural scenery, including lush forests and misty mountain landscapes. These visuals are enhanced by scent diffusers and subtle smoke effects, turning the space into a true multisensory environment.
One of the most innovative features of the TECH WORLD pavilion is the integration of wearable technology into the visitor experience. Each person entering the exhibit receives a wristband that tracks their heart rate throughout the tour. This biometric data is used to create a personalized summary at the end of the visit. Visitors can scan a QR code to discover which displays triggered the strongest emotional responses, making the visit both interactive and introspective.
The central theme of the exhibit is Taiwan’s leadership in semiconductor technology, a sector in which the island has achieved global prominence. The pavilion highlights Taiwan’s role in producing cutting-edge microchips and components essential to the modern digital world. Through immersive displays and interactive content, visitors gain insight into the intricate processes behind semiconductor production and the future of the tech industry.
On April 14, just the second day of the Expo, over 3,000 people visited the pavilion. Many of them were Taiwanese nationals, some of whom were moved to tears by the experience. According to Ruth Chang, Executive Director of the TECH WORLD pavilion, the emotional reactions of visitors demonstrated how much pride they felt in seeing Taiwan represented on a global stage, even under limited circumstances. Former Taiwanese Minister of Health, Twu Shiing-jer, also visited the exhibit and expressed admiration for the way it showcased Taiwan’s technological capabilities. He stated that while it was unfortunate that Taiwan could not participate as a country, the pavilion served as a meaningful and effective representation.
The TECH WORLD pavilion’s impact extends beyond the boundaries of the Expo site. A Taiwan Festival was held in Osaka’s Umeda district on April 12 and 13, organized by the Indo-Pacific Strategy Think Tank. This cultural event featured performances by Taiwanese artists and displays of traditional arts, drawing both Taiwanese expatriates and Japanese locals. The festival further strengthened Taiwan’s cultural presence in Japan and highlighted the close ties between the two regions.
Tuo Liu, Deputy Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Osaka, attended the festival and emphasized the mutual support between Taiwan and Japan. He noted that Taiwan is actively investing in Japan’s IT sector, and the two economies complement each other in meaningful ways. For many, the TECH WORLD pavilion and the accompanying cultural events are not just exhibitions—they are strategic expressions of Taiwan’s identity and soft power.
Despite the political limitations, the TECH WORLD pavilion continues to be a highlight of Expo 2025 Osaka. Its compelling design, emotional depth, and technological focus make it a must-see attraction for visitors interested in the future of innovation.
