Through the Lens: Expo 2025 preparations underway in Osaka and more

With less than 50 days until Osaka Expo 2025 opens on April 13, the pavilions featuring cutting-edge exhibits from 161 countries and regions are beginning to take shape. (Photo by Hiromasa Matsuura) 

MyakuMyaku, Osaka Expo 2025’s official mascot, outside the massive wooden main wall. (Photo by Kosaku Mimura)

Robots at Future of Life, a signature pavilion at Expo. (Photo by Kosaku Mimura)

A giant visitor from the Gundam multiverse outside the Next Future Pavilion. (Photo by Hiromasa Matsuura) 

Astro Boy navigating from atop the Pasona Group Pavilion. (Photo by Hiromasa Matsuura) 

Kansai International Airport prepares to welcome visitors from all over the world. (Photo by Kosaku Mimura)

The Malaysia Pavilion features exterior bamboo architecture. (Photo by Hiromasa Matsuura) 

The press were given an early viewing of The Korea Pavilion on Dec. 20. (Photo by Yo Inoue)

Kura Sushi will serve dishes from around the world. (Photo by Hiromasa Matsuura) 

Costumes to be worn by attendants serving Pasona’s VIP guests. (Photo by Hiromasa Matsuura) 

A signature zone features pavilions created with various materials in various shapes by eight different designers. (Photo by Hiromasa Matsuura) 

Uniforms worn by attendants at the Osaka Expo in 1970 are displayed at Expo 70 'pavilion, which commemorates the event. (Photo by Hiromasa Matsuura)

One of the Expo’s signature pavilions is made of countless metal rods. (Photo by Hiromasa Matsuura) 

People experiencing the Super Space Theater in one of the Expo’s signature pavilions. (Photo by Yo Inoue)

The China Pavilion is inspired by a traditional Chinese book. (Photo by Hiromasa Matsuura) 

A train decked out for the Expo by Kintetsu in Osaka. (Photo by Hiromasa Matsuura) 

KOCoRo, a quadruped robot, has been out patrolling the Expo construction sites. (Photo by Hiromasa Matsuura) 

Osaka Expo 2025 is encircled by the Grand Ring, a massive traditional wooden structure that is illuminated at night. (Photo by Masaru Shioyama)

An early illumination test of the Grand Ring on Nov. 21. (Photo by Arisa Moriyama)

Japan’s imperial family waves from the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to the crowds attending the public audience celebrating the emperor's birthday on Feb. 23. (Photo by Mayumi Tsumita) 

People inside a busy gold shop in Bangkok’s Chinatown on February 18. In recent years, many Thais have taken to making their investments online. (Photo by Lauren DeCicca)

Solid gold taels are the traditional units used to weigh the precious metal so beloved by Thais in Bangkok’s Chinatown. (Photo by Lauren DeCicca)

Triumphant Indian batsman Virat Kohli after hitting a four to take his innings to a century against Pakistan at the ICC Men's Champions Trophy in Dubai on Feb. 23. (Photo by Satish Kumar/Reuters)

Pakistani cricket fans in Karachi watch a match against India in Dubai during the ICC Men's Champions Trophy on Feb. 23. (Photo by Insiya Syed/Reuters)

Indian fans in Mumbai celebrate India’s win in the ICC Men's Champions Trophy over Pakistan on Feb. 23. (Photo by Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters)

Cricket fans sit out in the stands during a rain delay in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on Feb. 25. (Photo by Akhtar Soomro/Reuters)

Workers gently rubbing onion flowers for pollination at a farm in Faridpur, Bangladesh. (Photo by Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters)

A kite seller waits for customers at Galle Face Green in Colombo in late February. (Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/Getty Images)

Women waiting to hop on the subway at a New Delhi metro station on Feb. 18. (Photo by Priyanshu Singh/Reuters)

India's Maha Kumbh Mela comes to an end on Feb. 26, after seeing about 650 million devotees participate -- far exceeding the 450 million that authorities projected ahead of the 45-day Hindu festival. (Photo by Ritesh Shukla/Reuters)