18/07/2025

LYFE FRIDAY | JULY 18, 2025

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Cooks making roti canai .

Dancers from JKKN.

Malaysia’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.

Showcasing Malaysia’s finest

M ALAYSIA’S presence at Expo 2025 Osaka signals its standing on the world stage. As a Type A pavilion, alongside countries such as France, US, China and UAE, Malaysia is among a select group of nations that have chosen to design, fund and operate their own self-built pavilions. It is also a timely moment of reflection, marking 55 years since Malaysia’s first expo appearance in Osaka in 1970. The journey to get to the expo is a breeze – ride the Osaka Metro Chuo Line straight to Yumeshima Station, and within a 5-minute walk from the Expo’s East Gate, you will spot the bamboo-clad pavilion waiting to greet you. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the pavilion is a living tapestry woven from more than 5,000 pieces of bamboo with another 500 sourced from Malaysia. The result is a soft, breathable structure that bridges tradition and innovation. By day, it filters sunlight like a gently glowing textile, and by night, it casts an ethereal shimmer across Yumeshima Island, as if woven from gold and silver threads. In a vast expo full of noise and neon, the Malaysia pavilion instantly distinguishes itself by how it makes visitors feel, calm, proud and genuinely welcomed into a harmonious little kampung . It is a multi-sensory welcoming experience – the sight of that woven bamboo facade up close, the scent of Malaysia’s food and the sound of laughter and gamelan music in the background. visitors are welcomed by live craft demonstrations, from batik painting to basket weaving, where they can try their hand at traditional techniques, guided by the very artists who keep these skills alive. Meanwhile, inside the pavilion, a seamless fusion of art, nature and innovation comes to life through every corner – from interactive exhibits and thoughtful design, to the quiet power of materials shaped by tradition and technology. Upstairs, at the cultural hall, visitors are often drawn to a vibrant showcase of hyper-realistic food samples, meticulously handcrafted replicas of Malaysian favourites, from Penang’s char kway teow to Sarawak laksa . While this method is famously known in Japan as shokuhin sampuru , these Malaysian versions are entirely made by local artists. In the span of a single walkthrough, visitors can experience a tapestry of Malaysia’s past and future, from indigenous artistry to high-tech prototypes for sustainable living. It is a place where heritage and high-tech meet, each enriching Culture, calm, craft At the entrance,

stop near the West Gate, where the towering 16.7m RX-78F00/E Gundam statue stands watch. Inside the Gundam Next Future Pavilion, visitors step into a fully immersive universe, complete with haptic effects, dazzling visuals and a storyline that blends sci-fi action with heartwarming moments. Whether you are a lifelong fan or simply curious, it is a journey worth taking. When the sun begins to set over the Osaka Bay, the site transforms into something truly magical. As twilight deepens, visitors naturally make their way to the Grand Ring, a sweeping 2km wooden canopy that wraps around the site. It is where everyone gathers, drawn by its elevated skywalks and panoramic views. Then, just as the last golden light fades, the sky comes alive. One World, One Planet, the expo’s mesmerising drone show, takes flight. Nearly a thousand synchronised drones move in harmony, painting vivid, shifting images across the night sky, a whale gliding through the stars, a tree unfurling its leaves, each one a tribute to unity, sustainability and the beauty of our shared future. The sky becomes a living canvas, glowing with wonder and emotion. From the Grand Ring, it feels as if the whole world has paused to watch, connected in the same breathless awe. It is a shared moment of hope, one that lingers long after the lights go out. At ground level, the central Water Plaza comes alive with Under the Midnight Rainbow, the water show and the centrepiece of the Future Society Showcase. Over 300 fountains dance in rhythm, illuminated by bursts of flame and sweeping beams of light. Moving to the music composed by Yoko Kanno, the show tells the story of Ao, a young girl guided by elemental spirits of air and water. By day, the plaza hosts interactive previews, ranging from synchronised fountain shows controlled by visitors to augmented reality creatures parading through the site, building anticipation for the nightly crescendo under the stars. Planning your visit: Some tips To fully enjoy the experience, timing is everything. Arrive early, ideally before 10am, when the space is still quiet. You can take your time exploring the exhibits and soak in the rainforest-inspired ambience. On top of that, be mindful that Expo 2025 is a cashless experience, so download the official digital wallet app, or use cards such as Icoca or Malaysia’s own Touch ’n Go.

o What visitors can expect to experience at Expo 2025, Osaka

Visitors walk past the expo’s East Gate.

Tree of Harmony .

The Grand Ring.

and expo character. Completion time may vary, but it can be picked up later during your visit. And if you are in the mood for a treat, do not miss the Musang King ice cream – a creamy, decadent nod to Malaysia’s most famous durian variety. Around the expo: Light, motion, magic Having explored every corner of the Malaysia pavilion, it is time to step out and see what else Expo 2025 Osaka has in store. Food enthusiasts will find plenty to savour. Cafeterias across the site serve up global flavours, from Vietnamese pho to spicy Pakistani briyani and sizzling Korean barbecue, alongside each pavilion’s own national dishes. On certain weekends, crowds gather for the famous tuna-cutting show – a live culinary performance that draws cameras and applause in equal measure. And if you are in the mood to shop, the main gift shop is a treasure trove of expo memories. From matcha biscuits flown in from Kyoto to anime collectibles, K-pop souvenirs and exclusive expo items, there is something for everyone to take home. Of course, no experience at the expo would be complete without a

National Arts Department (JKKN) invite visitors to join in. They bring to life the graceful zapin of Johor, the energetic magunatip from Sabah with its rhythmic bamboo beats and the ever-joyful joget that makes everyone smile. From little ones to grandparents, visitors laugh as they try joget lambak , learning the steps hand in hand with the dancers. These spontaneous moments often blossom into warm people-to-people connections – no stage, no separation, just joyful cultural exchange. To truly feel it, try to time your visit with the cultural showcases. They happen two or three times a day, usually in the late morning, afternoon and early evening. Lastly, before you leave, do not forget to bring home a little piece of Malaysia. The pavilion’s gift shop may be modest in size, but it is rich in flavour, colour and charm. You will find neatly packed boxes of Boh tea, fragrant white coffee from Ipoh and premium Sarawak pepper, prized for its bold aroma. There are also beautifully crafted batik available in various styles, and for something more personalised, visitors can place a custom order for a Myaku Myaku -themed batik piece, a playful blend of Malaysian artistry Culture and

the other, proving that progress does not require abandoning the past, only reimagining it. At the centre, stands the magnificent Tree of Harmony by contemporary artist Red Hong Yi, rising nearly 10m high toward the skylight. This sculptural centerpiece was painstakingly handwoven by indigenous artisans, using bamboo and rattan to create a tree that spirals skyward. Its canopy is adorned with 270 leaves crafted from traditional weaving techniques, all interlaced into modern form. It is as if fragments of Malaysia’s diverse cultures have unfurled into leaves of one tree, placed at the centre of it all. Next, as you head down towards the ground floor, you will find out why one cafe is now a favourite among expo visitors – on some days, the queue even stretches outside the pavilion. The rotating menu celebrates Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage. Staples such as roti canai , flipped live on the griddle, and fragrant nasi lemak are always on hand. For Muslim visitors especially, the cafe has become a warm, familiar stop in the middle of Osaka. Just like its food, Malaysia’s culture is meant to be shared and enjoyed together. Every day, the pavilion comes alive with music and movement as dancers from the