The "Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025" is currently being held at Yumeshima in Osaka. Among the many attractions, the Taiwan Pavilion's "TECH WORLD" deserves special attention. In this article, I'll share my experience and impressions from my actual visit to the pavilion.

TECH WORLD Pavilion Composed of Three Themes

The pavilion is organized around three themes: "Life," "Nature," and "Future," each featuring exhibitions using advanced technology. However, you don't need to be too conscious of these divisions to enjoy the experience.

Upon entry, visitors are fitted with a smartwatch-like device.

This kind of thing really gets you excited!
This device is used at the end of the tour, but I encourage you to experience the details for yourself on-site.

The Fusion of Sound, Light, and Tablets

Moving forward, you'll encounter a massive cylindrical projection area.
Small movable displays surround the central cylindrical screen.

The small displays moved quite smoothly in sync with the presentation. Controlling multiple devices without any of them stopping is quite challenging from both software and hardware perspectives, demonstrating Taiwan's high-precision video control systems and the technological prowess backed by their semiconductor industry.

A close-up view of the small display. It's actually a touch panel

4K Projectors and Fantastical Presentations

It's interesting that Taiwan Pavilion staff are dressed like explorers

Further ahead, you'll reach an area featuring video presentations using multiple 4K projectors.

In addition to the visuals, smoke effects were incorporated throughout the pavilion, creating an immersive experience that engages not just your sight but the entire spatial environment. Combined with the video, it was quite mystical!

LED Butterflies Dancing Above Taiwanese Orchids

Next is an exhibition area featuring Taiwanese phalaenopsis orchids.
The orchids, colored using special dyeing techniques, are arranged in rows with a large transparent LED display installed above them.

The display shows images of butterflies in flight, creating a fantastical space where butterflies appear to actually be flying among the orchids.

Transparent displays aren't widely available yet, but this one emitted solid light with excellent color reproduction. It's a collaboration between technology and natural beauty.

My Taiwanese friend from Kaohsiung commented that "the arrangement looks like a funeral and feels a bit off."
Indeed, if you put a person's photo on the center display, it might look somewhat funeral-like...? However, I don't think orchids are typically used as the main flowers at Japanese funerals, so I personally just found it beautiful.

Semiconductor Wafers and the Future

This area features AI-generated animated videos.

The common "glitches" and "uncanny valley" effects often seen in AI art were minimized, achieving natural and smooth expression. While there are many AI-generated video works nowadays, this represents the cutting edge of the technology.

The video effectively showcased how Taiwan's semiconductor chip technology is utilized in various aspects of daily life, emphasizing its role as a crucial core of the global supply chain and an indispensable element supporting our prosperous lives. When you think of Taiwan's semiconductor companies, TSMC comes to mind. Even the iPhone's SoC is manufactured by TSMC.

I couldn't help but smile when I caught a glimpse of the JASM logo in the video. I hope the good relationship continues.

Memorable "Taiwan's Strength" and "Human Warmth"

After the experience, visitors received commemorative souvenirs.
I got a luggage tag embroidered with Taiwanese specialties like bubble tea and Taipei 101, featuring very elaborate designs.

This tag, which encapsulates Taiwan's essence, is not just a simple souvenir but also practical, which is wonderful.

By the way, what you receive seems to be random - sometimes it's bags or towels.

Finally, I accidentally forgot to get my stamp for the stamp rally and had already left the pavilion. When I consulted with the staff, they kindly took my stamp passport and ran back into the pavilion to get it stamped for me. (I felt bad as it was after sunset and they must have been tired...) The Taiwanese staff member who helped me demonstrated human warmth right after I had experienced a technology-filled pavilion.

Next time I visit, I'll make sure to buy something from the souvenir shop, even though it's a bit pricey.
Thank you so much!