A groundbreaking ceremony for the 2025 World Expo's USA Pavilion was held on Wednesday in Osaka City.
US government officials, Osaka Governor Yoshimura Hirofumi, and Expo Commissioner General Haneda Koji prayed for safe construction at the expo site on Osaka's Yumeshima artificial island.
US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said the expo symbolizes bringing people together to explore the future. He added that, "given the world events right now, the world could use a little peaceful co-existence."
The theme of the USA Pavilion is "Imagine What We Can Create Together." Its geometric design was inspired by the Japanese concept of "wabi-sabi," which means finding beauty in simplicity and imperfection. It consists of two triangular buildings juxtaposed by a suspended cube.
Large screens on the exterior of the two buildings will project iconic urban and natural landmarks of the US. An open-air courtyard will include a stage for music and other performances.
More than 50 countries are planning their own pavilions, but some are seeing delays such as negotiations with builders. Construction of the USA Pavilion will start after the spring holiday season.