A Pavilion Dedicated to Circular Economy

At Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, Germany is putting the spotlight on circular economy—a key pillar of its sustainability strategy. Its pavilion, named “Wow! Germany,” is built around this theme and introduces visitors to Germany’s circular practices across diverse sectors including energy, food, agriculture, construction, and lifestyle.

The building itself is a statement of sustainability. It consists of seven wooden, circular structures symbolizing both “circulation” and “harmony”—a nod to the Japanese word “wa,” which means harmony or peace. Visitors are given a mascot-shaped audio guide named Chatty Circular upon entry. Shaped like a talking device with earphones for a mouth, this charming guide activates when tapped against designated points in the pavilion, offering interactive explanations.

Explore Germany’s 16 States through Nature-Inspired Displays

Both indoors and outdoors, the pavilion invites visitors to interact with innovative and educational exhibits. One highlight is a rooftop garden exhibit representing Germany’s 16 federal states. Each state is introduced as a “tree,” with details such as maps, trivia, video monitors, and even flip-card quizzes.

The pavilion structure is made from bamboo and wood, emphasizing environmental responsibility. It’s designed to be dismantled and reused after the expo, reflecting Germany’s commitment to low-waste construction. The unfinished look of the materials, visible from the reverse side of the building, gives a sense of simplicity and reuse.

Shop and Dine: German Style

The Germany Pavilion also features a vibrant shopping and dining experience. The restaurant Oishii! Germany (“Delicious! Germany”) offers authentic German cuisine, with an open-air terrace and of course, German beer on tap.

The gift shop is stocked with a variety of original merchandise, including plush toys of Chatty Circular, logo-branded teddy bears, T-shirts, durable German-made bags, gourmet snacks, and other lifestyle items. The shop highlights the quality and craftsmanship of German goods, many of which are available in limited expo editions.

Upcoming Events at the Germany Pavilion:
https://expo2025germany.de/eventkalender-jp/