The ‘Forest of Tranquillity’ was a living installation created to provide relief from the heat.

At Osaka Expo 2025, forests sit at the centre of the event’s vision for a sustainable future. From the cooling shade of the ‘Forest of Tranquillity’ to the ancient oaks of the ‘Forest of Civilisation’, the Expo highlights the essential role trees play in connecting nations and inspiring new ideas.

The commitment to sustainability is evident not only in the design of the national pavilions but also in the way the organisers have brought forestry and natural ecosystems into the wider experience. Amid technology, architecture and innovation, forests and timber feature prominently across the venue.

They help shape the atmosphere of the event, reminding visitors that our relationship with woodlands remains vital today and, in the years, ahead.

At the heart of the Expo Grand Ring stands the ‘Forest of Tranquillity’, a living installation created to provide relief from the heat. In a city known for intense summers, this green sanctuary demonstrates the ecosystem services forests offer – natural shade, lower temperatures and cleaner air – giving visitors a welcome place to rest within the busy grounds.

For many, it is a moment to pause and reconnect with the natural world, underscoring the importance of trees in mitigating climate change and the urban heat island effect.

One of the quieter yet memorable features of Osaka Expo 2025 is the extensive use of timber seating. Benches and rest areas throughout the site are built from wood, offering comfort and practicality. Unlike metal or plastic, timber stays cool under the sun, allowing visitors to sit comfortably even at midday – an everyday but powerful reminder of the advantages of natural materials.

Visitors have also noted the sense of calm inside several national pavilions despite the large crowds. Timber’s sound-absorbing properties play a major role here, softening echoes and reducing noise. This creates a more focused environment, illustrating why wood is increasingly chosen for schools, offices and public buildings around the world.

Among the most meaningful installations is the ‘Forest of Civilisation’, featuring ancient sub-fossil oak trees, some dating back more than 6,500 years. Each oak is dedicated to a participating nation, turning the display into a remarkable symbol of shared human heritage.

These ancient trees act as storytellers, reflecting the deep ties between forests and human societies across millennia. Their presence affirms that forests transcend borders and generations.

Osaka Expo 2025 ultimately celebrates the extraordinary value of forests—not only as renewable resources but as providers of comfort, health, and cultural connection. A forest can cool a city, clean its air, support biodiversity, and improve wellbeing, while even a single tree can offer shade and bring people together.

The organisers and partners used timber cleared by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) to showcase the many values of forests.

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