Taiwan’s presence at Expo 2025 Osaka is making waves, even though the island nation is not participating as an official country. The TECH WORLD pavilion, hosted by the private company Tamayama Digital Tech Co., Ltd., is drawing considerable attention for showcasing Taiwan’s technological achievements, particularly in semiconductor technology. Despite not being part of the official national exhibitions, the pavilion is a highlight at the Expo. On April 14, Taiwan’s showcase captivated over 3,000 visitors, and it is expected to continue garnering strong interest throughout the event.
3,000 Visitors on the First Day
On the second day of the Expo, April 14, the sun finally emerged after a rainy opening. The TECH WORLD pavilion stood out with its unique design, inspired by Taiwan’s towering mountain ranges. The space inside was equally impressive, featuring 560 screens that moved like flowers swaying in the wind. A cylindrical display projected stunning visuals of Taiwan’s natural landscapes, immersing visitors in a multisensory experience enhanced by forest scents and smoke effects.
One of the most innovative features of the exhibit is a wristband provided to each visitor, tracking their heart rate throughout the experience. By the end of the tour, a QR code reveals which exhibits generated the most interest based on the visitor’s physiological responses.
A Focus on Taiwan’s Semiconductor Technology
Former Taiwanese Minister of Health, Twu Shiing-jer, expressed pride in the pavilion’s ability to spotlight Taiwan’s cutting-edge semiconductor technology. “I feel very proud. It’s unfortunate that Taiwan couldn’t participate as a country, but I’m very grateful to Japan. The pavilion does an excellent job of showcasing Taiwan’s technological strengths,” he said.
Ruth Chang, Executive Director of the TECH WORLD pavilion, confirmed that 3,000 visitors attended on the first day alone. “The first group of visitors were Taiwanese, and many were moved to tears,” she said. “This pavilion is a powerful opportunity to showcase Taiwan’s technological prowess, particularly in semiconductor technology.”
No Taiwan Flags on Expo Maps
Due to Taiwan’s non-membership in the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the island is participating under the name of Tamayama Digital Tech Co., Ltd. Instead of “Taiwan,” the pavilion is simply listed as “TECH WORLD” on venue maps, and no Taiwan flag is displayed. This limitation hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm of Taiwanese visitors, who view the pavilion as an important platform for their nation’s technological achievements.
Justin Tseng, a Taiwanese resident of Hong Kong, expressed hope for Taiwan’s future participation as an officially recognized country at World Expos. “Expos are windows into the future, and I have high hopes for this one. Although this is a private exhibit, I hope Taiwan will one day participate as an officially recognized country,” he said.
Kaohsiung City Councilor Tiunn Phok-iong, who toured the pavilion, echoed similar sentiments, remarking, “Expos are a stage where countries showcase their strength. It’s unfortunate that Taiwan’s name cannot be used, but this is still a valuable opportunity to show our presence.” He also noted that it would have been nice to see more emphasis on Taiwan throughout the exhibit.
Taiwan Festival Celebrates Taiwan-Japan Ties
In addition to the TECH WORLD pavilion, a Taiwan festival was held in Osaka’s Umeda district on April 12 and 13. The festival, organized by the Indo-Pacific Strategy Think Tank (IPST), was aimed at celebrating Taiwan’s rich culture and its close ties with Japan. Many visitors to the Expo also participated in the festival, further highlighting Taiwan’s unique identity.
Tuo Liu, Deputy Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Osaka, attended the opening ceremony and emphasized the strong relationship between Taiwan and Japan. “Taiwan and Osaka have a close and supportive relationship. Taiwan is actively investing in Japan’s IT industry — we complement each other. Taiwan fully supports the Expo,” Liu stated.
The Taiwan festival was well received, drawing not only Taiwanese visitors but also locals. Attendees enjoyed live performances by Taiwanese artists and various cultural exhibits, deepening the cultural exchange between the two nations. While Taiwan was unable to officially participate as a country in Expo 2025, both the pavilion and the festival have further cemented the island’s influence and presence in Japan.
A Valuable Opportunity for Taiwan
Although Taiwan’s participation in Expo 2025 is under unique circumstances, the TECH WORLD pavilion stands as a testament to the island’s innovative spirit. From showcasing advanced semiconductor technology to fostering cultural connections through the Taiwan festival, Taiwan has successfully made its mark on the global stage. As the Expo continues, Taiwan’s contributions remain an important aspect of the event, and many look forward to what the future holds for Taiwan’s presence at international exhibitions.
