Inside Osaka Expo with Sean Ep. 2: Ireland Pavilion and the Grand Ring

We visited the Ireland Pavilion, my home. I wasn’t going to miss this pavilion because—well, it’s my homeland! We entered through the East Gate and walked under the Grand Ring, and three cylindrical wooden structures came into view. This design is inspired by the triskele, a Celtic motif that spread across ancient Europe. I also felt it shares similarities with Japanese wooden architecture. The timbers used for the pavilion were brought all the way from Ireland. I think the design, which blends nature, tradition, and harmony, is perfectly suited for the Expo in Japan!

What left an impression even more than the wooden structures was the golden circular sculpture in front of the pavilion. Designed by Irish artist Joseph Walsh, the sculpture is titled Magnus Rinn. “Magnus” in Latin means “great” or “grand”, and the Irish word Rinn means “place”. Interestingly, the phonetic pronunciation of the word Rinn is similar to the Japanese word “rin”, which is associated with words like ring, circularity, and connection. In other words, the word Rinn beautifully bridges the sounds and the meanings of both Irish and Japanese languages! When I heard this, I felt Ireland’s deep respect and affection toward Japan, which filled me with emotions as I stood in a place that connected the cultures of both countries.

We entered the pavilion, and the entrance hall immediately made me feel the presence of nature. Representing the nature-rich country, a small forest lay before us. All the plants were brought from Ireland, and the soft lighting, reminiscent of sunlight filtering through the trees, filled the space with a calming, natural glow. Surrounded by the sounds of nature—like the chirping of birds—and the aroma of Ireland in the air, I truly felt at home. It was a relaxing and comfortable space.

The next space was dedicated to exhibits. Since Ireland is an island nation, much like Japan, designs often blend nature with culture. My favorite piece was a white, round ceramic sculpture. It had a very simple appearance, but I found it fascinating—I could feel a quiet yet powerful presence, similar to that of rocks found along a riverbank.

One of the highlights was the harp exhibit, showcasing Ireland’s traditional instrument. This harp, an iconic symbol of Ireland, is the same one featured on the Guinness Stout can. We were even allowed to touch this beautiful instrument, crafted from wood to give it its elegant form and delicate design.
The exhibit brilliantly combined Ireland’s nature, culture, and science, offering an immersive experience where visitors could see, touch, and feel.

In the third and final ellipse, live performances of music and dances took place. The show began when a violinist appeared, and as a breathtaking wilderness landscape was projected onto the giant screen. The melancholic sound of Irish music stirred something deep within me.

At one point, we were invited to join in and dance to the lively rhythm, blending in elements of traditional Irish dance. The steps were simple, and we twirled around with plenty of energy. It reminded me of dancing a similar style of traditional dance back at school—kind of like Japan’s bon-odori dance. That moment made me feel connected to home, and to my family.

I was told that this live performance represented the Ireland Pavilion’s theme “Creativity Connects People”—and it made perfect sense. The performance beautifully blended traditional Irish dance with Japan’s bon-odori, symbolizing the connection between our two cultures. The final show stayed with me for a long time.

The Pavilion staff treated me with warmth and friendliness, especially after they learned I was from Ireland. Fluent in both Japanese and English, I was impressed with their hospitality and sincerity towards guests. I felt a deep sense of pride in being Irish. I hope many people will visit and experience the pavilion with all five senses!

The most impressive sight at the Expo was the Grand Ring. Rows upon rows of towering pillars immediately caught my attention as soon as we arrived. I had never seen anything quite like it. I stood there for a while, taking in the sheer grandeur of the spectacle.

The Grand Ring is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest wooden architectural structure. I even found the official certificate displayed on one of the pillars!

Looking up at the Grand Ring from below feels like stepping into another world. There’s no feeling of overwhelming pressure, though—the warmth of wood radiates peace and security. Instinctively, I was moved by the beauty of the Japanese architecture, which blends tradition and creativity with futuristic elements, all in perfect harmony with the nature.

The Grand Ring encircles the central area of the Expo site, with Official Participants’ Pavilions on the inside and Domestic Pavilions on the outside. Its design incorporates both comfort and functionality, providing shelter from the sun and rain as well as rest areas with benches.

The rooftop of the Ring is a must-visit. It’s easy to access—there are six escalators around the structure. We saw many people enjoying leisurely strolls on the rooftop beneath the blue sky. From up there, you can take in a stunning view of the Official Participants’ Pavilions, as well as the Port of Osaka and the sea. It was a great way to appreciate the grand scale of the Ring. Shymaa and I also snapped a photo atop the Ring, proudly wearing our Expo happi coats!

Our international student friends, who had visited the Expo before us, suggested walking the entire Ring at sunset—apparently, that the setting sun feels as though it’s within your reach.

The Grand Ring is a remarkable place to experience from both below and above! At night, the entire structure comes to life, glowing with lights and transforming into a magical spectacle—a complete contrast to its daytime appearance. Standing before this magnificent piece of architecture, you instantly know you’re at a world-class event, and it fills you with excitement!
The Grand Ring effectively captures the essence of the Osaka Expo’s theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” I have no doubt it will become a global landmark, admired by people from around the world.

My first visit to the Osaka Expo was an unforgettable experience, full of surprises and awe. From the massive Grand Ring to the futuristic city of pavilions from around the world, the Expo beautifully showcases a mix of rich cultures, traditions, and connections with Japan, brilliantly uniting diverse global perspectives.
The scale of this world-class event will stay with me forever, and above all, I had so much FUN!
Shymaa and I definitely need to come back with our friends—one day is just not enough. We’re eager to continue our journey into this amazing future world.

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■Click here for Inside Osaka Expo with Sean Ep. 1: Monster Hunter, Sweets & More