06/09/2025

LYFE SATURDAY | SEP 6, 2025

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W ITH a record 158 countries and regions participating, the Expo 2025 Osaka has entered the summer vacation season with even greater crowds. Four months have passed since its April 13 opening, and reputations of the international pavilions – often called the “highlights of the expo” – are taking shape, with the Southeast Asian pavilions drawing increased attention. Malaysia: The ‘Food Temptation’ Pavilion The Malaysia Pavilion has come to be known as the “Food Temptation Pavilion”. While the slang term in Japanese, meshi-tero or “food terrorism” may sound ominous, it is meant here as a compliment — food so irresistible it sabotages any diet. Visitors rave about how good it smells as soon as they enter the pavilion. The Malaysian soul food, roti canai – dough that is thinly stretched, folded, grilled and eaten with curry or bean soup – has been praised for being “crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside”. The “artistic” and “dynamic” dough-stretching performance, in which the dough is stretched into thin sheets, has also proved popular. Another hit is nasi lemak – rice cooked in coconut milk and served with a variety of side dishes – which visitors often enjoy with Malaysia’s beloved milk tea, teh tarik . These popular dishes are prepared halal, in line with Islamic dietary law. Over 60% of Malaysia’s population is Muslim, and its halal industry is highly developed. In contrast, halal options remain limited at restaurants and retailers in Japan, which is said to pose challenges for Malaysian tourists. Pavilion representatives hope that the expo will raise awareness of halal cuisine in Japan. Malaysia is home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including Malay, Indian and Chinese communities, and a variety of faiths ranging from Islam to Hinduism and Buddhism. Under the theme “Weaving a Future in Harmony”, the Malaysia Pavilion presents daily performances of dances passed down through these various ethnic groups and religions. People of different cultures, languages and religions come together in dance, for a stage that truly reflects the spirit of this multi-ethnic nation. Philippines: ‘Dancing with Nature’ The Philippines Pavilion greets visitors with traditional textiles representing the total of 18 regions across the nation’s more than 7,600 islands. The most enthusiastic reactions come before the pavilion’s giant screen. At the heart of the pavilion is “Dancing with Nature”, an interactive installation that digitally reimagines guests on screen as part of the country’s lush ecosystem. The pavilion combines traditional textiles crafted by artisans from across the country, with interactive experiences that employ cutting-edge technology, in a uniquely Filipino blend of tradition and innovation that draws visitors in. Indonesia: Supremely immersive and ‘no reservations needed’ The Indonesia Pavilion has been praised as the most impressive of the many pavilions that emphasise immersion and unity at the expo. The first zone recreates a tropical rainforest using real plants. The warm, humid air, the fragrance of the flowers and the sounds of the waterfall engage all five senses. Once past the jungle, visitors emerge into a 360-degree visual space. Thailand: Massages prove popular The Thailand Pavilion is modelled on the traditional sala Thai architectural style reminiscent of Buddhist temples. A distinctive feature of the pavilion is that only one side of the structure is actually built, with mirrors used to create the illusion of symmetry. On the outdoor stage, visitors can watch various performances such as muay thai, while inside there are extensive displays on beauty, medicine and food – in line with the pavilion’s central theme of “health”. At one interactive station, placing a white plate on a table causes images of regional Thai cuisine and health-focused dishes to be projected onto it. The free, 10-minute Thai massage session, available through advance reservation, has proved popular. Exhibits highlighting Thai spices

Southeast Asian pavilions delight visitors’ taste buds The Malaysia Pavilion has come to be known as the ‘Food Temptation Pavilion’ with popular dishes such as nasi lemak. The Malaysia Pavilion. – PICS FROM JIJI PRESS o Malaysian dishes get rave reviews at Expo 2025 Osaka

and traditional herbs further engage the senses, with a 60-year-old male company employee from Osaka remarking with a smile, “You could smell the Thai food across the entire pavilion”. Altogether, the pavilion is one that offers a multisensory experience. Singapore: Red dot Singapore is often represented as a red dot on world maps, which has earned it the nickname “Little Red Dot”. Its pavilion has been built in the shape of a red sphere to reflect this identity. Standing 17-metre tall, the “Giant Red Dot” makes a striking impression on the site. Inside, the entire spherical space functions as a 360-degree theatre where visitors can enjoy a 3D video experience. All of the animations and illustrations were created by Singaporean artists specifically for the expo, with installations (spatial art) using paper cuttings and mechanical music boxes used to introduce the stories of the country. Visitors have been happy with the local specialties of chicken rice and laksa offered at the pavilion. Although Singapore is associated with advanced technology, the country also emphasises coexistence with animals and nature, and the exhibits include one called “Talking Trees”. The “Dream Forest” rest area is planted with both Singaporean and Japanese plants. One of the pavilion’s most surprising attractions allows visitors to “release” their dreams and wishes into the sky. Cambodia: Pepper as the new ‘face’ of the country Exhibits at the Cambodia Pavilion include a scale model of the Angkor Wat, and a bas-relief (replica) of the “Churning of the Ocean of Milk”, a Hindu cosmological myth depicted in Angkor Wat’s galleries. Yet even among these exhibits, the one that has proved most popular with

Upon entry, visitors are given a non la , the traditional Vietnamese conical hat. Inside, the pavilion recreates the feel of Vietnam’s rural landscapes and historic old quarters. A highlight is the traditional water puppet show, which has a history of over 1,000 years. Puppets and dragons appear on a stage designed to resemble a pond, presenting a form of culture unfamiliar to Japan, and captivating visitors. It has become known as one of the expo’s most appealing “no reservation-required” attractions. In the early days of the expo, the international pavilions that drew particular attention included the US Pavilion, which showcased cutting-edge space development, and the Italy Pavilion, where visitors could view authentic Renaissance works. As the expo enters its final stage, however, visitor trends have shifted, from lining up for pavilions with strong initial reputations – even if it meant long waits – to choosing those that have been well-received by previous attendees. With the closing date of Oct 13 drawing near, the popularity of the Southeast Asian pavilions is expected to grow even further.

visitors is the pavilion’s salt-pickled green pepper. Unlike ordinary pepper, which is dried, this variety is preserved fresh in salt right after harvest. The aroma of green peppers grown in coastal Kampot bursts forth the moment you bite into a kernel. Used in both Western and Japanese cuisine, it has long been a favourite of chefs in Japan. Many visitors expo purchase it right after sampling, to the point where it often sells out as soon as it arrives. The pavilion highlights Cambodia as a major agricultural nation blessed with golden rice paddies and the fertile soil of the Mekong River. Within that context, brine-pickled green pepper — cultivated in Cambodian soil — offers Japanese visitors a new image of the country. Vietnam: Anniversary of war’s end The Vietnam Pavilion opened on April 30, 17 days after the start of the expo. The date was symbolic, marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, and the opening drew considerable attention from the media and visitors.