Cartier at EXPO 2025 in Japan - instead of diamonds, a creative vision of the future created by women
If you are going to visit Japan, it will be in 2025 – the yen exchange rate is at its lowest in 30 years, which makes the Land of the Rising Sun one of the most attractive travel destinations in the coming months. And if you manage to block your tickets, be sure to reserve a day to visit Osaka – the World Exposition has just started there and will last until October 13. Even Cartier has its pavilion there, which created a space dedicated to the role of women in shaping the future for the Expo.
Japan has just hosted its third edition of the World Expo , one of the most spectacular events in the world of art and architecture - previously, monumental exhibitions were held in Osaka in 1970 and in Aichi Prefecture in 2005.
This year's edition of the international project is taking place on the artificial island of Yumeshima, and its theme – "Designing Future Society for Our Lives" – focuses on collaborative design for a better future. The Expo will feature over 150 artists and creators from around the world, and the organizers are expecting over (and as many as!) 28 million visitors.
Women's Pavilion / photo: Victor Picon CartierAlongside the pavilions of the most artistically engaged countries, visitors will be able to reacquaint themselves with the Cartier space . The brand continues the Women's Pavilion project (initiated during the Dubai Expo), in which the main theme of the exhibition is presented from a female perspective – full of sensitivity, responsibility and social involvement.
“What can each of us do to advance collectively, regardless of gender? I hope the Women's Pavilion will become a catalyst – a place that moves visitors, encourages reflection and action for a better future, accelerating collective change,” said June Miyachi, president and CEO of Cartier Japan.
Women's Pavilion / photo: Victor Picon CartierThe catalyst that Miyachi refers to takes the form of a spacious, tent-like pavilion designed by Japanese architect Yuko Nagayama. The design references traditional Kumiko craftsmanship and the architectural aesthetics of Osaka’s old houses.
Women's Pavilion / photo: Victor Picon CartierInterestingly, the load-bearing elements - based on a precise technique of joining wooden modules - were assembled without the use of glue or nails. As a result, the structure seems to be almost suspended in space, which must resonate even more strongly in real life than in photos.
Women's Pavilion / photo: Victor Picon CartierAn essential element of Nagayama’s vision, and at the same time a response to the challenge of illustrating the future directed at the exhibition participants, is a conscious, sustainable approach to materials.
Women's Pavilion / photo: Victor Picon CartierThe wood used to build the pavilion, sourced locally, will be replanted in the mountains of the Kansai region after the Expo ends. This is a symbolic closure of the narrative created by the designer – a story of cyclicality, harmony and deep respect for nature.
Women's Pavilion / photo: Victor Picon Cartier
Women's Pavilion / photo: Victor Picon Cartier
Women's Pavilion / photo: Victor Picon Cartier
