Overview of the Gas Pavilion at EXPO 2025 OSAKA, KANSAI, JAPANMarch 23, 2023
The Japan Gas Association
In May 2022, the Japan Gas Association (JGA) decided to participate in EXPO
2025 OSAKA, KANSAI, JAPAN (Osaka-Kansai EXPO), and has since been working
out details. We are pleased to announce the items of the Gas Pavilion, such asconcept, name, design and other details, have been determined.
1. Pavilion concept“Bakero*1– Shape Our Future!”
For our loved ones and the earth, as each of us significantly changes ourawareness and actions in a daily life, our society would eventually be “reshaped” intoa more hopeful place.
It has been over 150 years since a gas light was ignited for the first time in Japan.
After that, the gas industry has contributed to changes to a less carbon society byswitching raw materials from coal and petroleum to natural gas, which is much moreenvironment-friendly, and by developing technologies that help with saving energy
consumption.
And now, we believe that further evolution is necessary to achieve carbon
neutrality by 2050. One of such challenges is a technology development to recycle
carbon dioxide (CO2), which is considered a cause of global warming, and convert it
into new energy called “e-methane” *2. This technology makes CO2 possible tocirculate and transform itself with hydrogen into e-methane (energy for the future).
Since CO2 doesn’t increase during the process, this technology contributes to fightagainst global warming.
For “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, let’s take a step at the Gas Pavilion.
*1 This is a Japanese word that means “shaping something or oneself into a completelydifferent form." We here use the term “Bakero” to embody our hopes of making a
dramatic shift from the status quo to a better direction.

*2 Synthetic methane which is created from non-fossil energy sources, such as greenhydrogen, and CO2 via methanation process

2. Pavilion name“GAS PAVILION OBAKE WONDERLAND”
The Gas Pavilion features OBAKE (friendly shapeshifter) characters as symbolize“Bakero － Shape our future!” and presents a mysterious world “OBAKEWONDERLAND”. We will provide a thrilling and exciting experience together withOBAKE.
We are also committed to creating the participatory entertainment pavilion that willbe much impressive for children, potential leaders of our future, and provide them an
original experience that will enrich their generous mind.
Please come to the Gas Pavilion and meet OBAKEs at there.

[Perspective drawing: GAS PAVILION OBAKE WONDERLAND]

3. Pavilion design“Shapeshifting Pavilion”
The Pavilion is covered with a mirrored membrane material that reflectssurrounding landscapes. According to the weather, time of the day or the viewer’s
angles, the pavilion changes its expressions in various ways and bring viewers
feeling into a mysterious world.
The triangle shape that soars high into a sky is an entrance, it connects to a
hopeful future.
The lighting-up during the night evokes a “Carbon-neutral Fire”, which symbolizes
warmth and challenges of gas industry.
We also make an effort to promote 3R activities as “Reduce” the amount ofmaterials maximally, “Reuse” membrane materials, and “Recycle” other materials.
We will use “SPACECOOL” *3 (a radiative cooling material) for membrane material,so that it contributes to reduce the burden on air conditioning during the time.

[Perspective drawing: Pavilion design]*3 A highly performing and highly durable optical film developed by Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.
This new material blocks heat absorption from sunlight and the atmosphere, andachieves a lower temperature than it of the ambient air by releasing heat into outerspace. It is manufactured by SPACECOOL Inc.

JGA keeps on working out the details for the success in Osaka-Kansai EXPO.
(Reference 1) Location of the Gas Pavilion
JGA

Courtesy of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition(Reference 2) Overview of the Japan Gas Association
Address:

1-15-12 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, JapanChair:

Takehiro Honjo

Members:

193 general gas pipeline service providers, etc.

Purpose:An association of city gas suppliers, whose purpose is to contributeto society by developing city gas businesses, expanding the usageof natural gas, ensuring a stable energy supply and safety, andaddressing environmental issues as well.