Press releases

Find press releases about our latest products, innovations and technologies from the sanitary industry as well as TOTO, Japan's leading manufacturer of sanitary ware with a global presence.
07/11/2025

TOTO: Bronze Sponsor of EXPO 2025 in Osaka

The international audience at the Osaka World Expo enjoys the highest standards of hygiene
  • Osaka Expo
  • Osaka Expo
  • Osaka Expo
  • Osaka Expo
  • Osaka Expo
  • Osaka Expo
  • Osaka Expo
  • Osaka Expo
  • Osaka Expo
  • Osaka Expo
  • Osaka Expo
  • Osaka Expo
  • Expo Osaka
Designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, the Grand Ring is the main architectural construction at EXPO 2025 in Osaka. This symbol of global cooperation and shared progress connects and provides access to the pavilions. Photo: TOTO The Osaka Healthcare Pavilion invites people to discover innovative technologies and sustainable concepts for the future of holistic health care. The theme of this pavilion is “Reborn”. Photo: TOTO Part of the exhibition at the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, toilets equipped with TOTO products show how inclusive design, outstanding comfort, sustainability and accessibility unite all visitors. Photo: TOTO Designed by Toyo Ito, the “Shining Hat” pavilion makes a stunning impression with its arched architecture and shining golden roof. Photo: TOTO The spacious structure is the main event location for highlights like the opening and closing ceremonies of EXPO 2025 in Osaka. Photo: TOTO TOTO’s bathroom facilities in EXPO Hall provide fully accessible access to the highest possible comfort and hygiene. Photo: TOTO TOTO’s modern washbasins in EXPO Hall have touch-free automatic faucets to make handwashing especially hygienic and convenient for all visitors. Photo: TOTO Designed by architecture firm Nikken Sekkei, the Japan Pavilion symbolizes the circle of life – bringing a Japanese aesthetic to sustainable construction. Its open structure is made of reusable cross-laminated timber panels. Photo: TOTO A directory shows the various features available in the Japan Pavilion toilets, all equipped by TOTO. Photo: TOTO The multifunctional relaxation area at the Expo’s western entrance is covered with colourful material panels and offers a view of the sea. It’s one of four relaxation areas equipped with TOTO toilets and WASHLETs. Photo: TOTO The public “Stone House Toilet” incorporates centuries-old granite – originally intended for Osaka Castle – in its modern architecture. It brings history, nature and mankind’s efforts together to create an inspiring space where people can reflect on enduring values – with toilets equipped by TOTO. Photo: TOTO The Yumeshima metro station opened in January 2025. This important access point to the Expo grounds is the last stop on the Osaka Metro’s Chuo line. The train runs through an underwater tunnel to reach the island. Photo: TOTO Accessible toilet facilities equipped by TOTO at the Yumeshima metro station ensure the greatest possible hygiene for everyone attending EXPO 2025 in Osaka. Photo: TOTO

TOTO is a Bronze Sponsor and Official Partner for the World Expo, which will take place from 13 April to 13 October 2025 in Osaka, on Yumeshima Island. A total of 160 participating countries and regions will present innovative solutions for the challenges facing modern society and encourage international dialogue at this event, themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”. Based in Japan, the international bathroom supplier is using the global exhibition as an opportunity to share Japan’s advanced sanitary culture – ensuring cleanliness and comfort at a variety of Expo event locations.

 

The Expo grounds are dominated by a circular structure that aims to bring the sea and sky together: Designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, the “Grand Ring”, a wooden construction measuring about 2 kilometres long and 20 metres tall, is considered the largest wooden architectural structure in the world. The individual pavilions are positioned inside and directly adjacent to this ring to symbolise the idea of “unity in diversity”. This impressive structure is designed to inspire visitors and promote cooperation between the participating nations.

 

Clean, refreshing moments in high-traffic areas

TOTO is one of the most internationally renowned Japanese sanitary companies and a Bronze Sponsor of EXPO 2025. The company is making a special contribution to the event in Osaka. TOTO products are found in many different locations throughout the Expo grounds: in the EXPO Hall designed by Toyo Ito, the Japan Pavilion, and in the Osaka Healthcare pavilion, where they are even part of the exhibition. Four relaxation areas, eight public toilets and the toilet facilities at the Yumeshima metro station also feature TOTO toilets, urinals, WASHLETs, washbasins and faucets. TOTO is providing veritable oases in the midst of hightraffic public areas in the form of these toilet facilities, primarily designed by young architecture firms.

 

TOTO in the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion

Themed “Reborn”, the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion is presenting new beginnings and renewal in the context of holistic health. Visitors can experience innovative technologies and sustainable concepts for the future of healthcare at seven different stations. The focus is on topics like nutrition, mind and body, as well as the integration of personal health data to run through individual future scenarios. 

The exhibition also includes accessible toilet facilities designed and equipped by TOTO as the pavilion’s official partner. When developing these facilities, TOTO worked with 22 “troubleshooters” – people with very different limitations who served as consultants. They contributed their experiences with using public toilets to help TOTO design the ideal solutions.

The equipment and floor plans were tested in advance at the TOTO Technical Center and optimised based on true-to-scale models. The result: A toilet for the future that is both functional and socially inclusive – a place where everyone can feel welcome and respected.

 

EXPO Hall and Japan Pavilion

TOTO also elevated EXPO Hall and the Japan Pavilion with the highest calibre of sanitary technology and comfort. TOTO toilets, urinals and state-of-the-art WASHLETs show the successful combination of innovative design and Japanese sanitary culture. 

Designed by Toyo Ito, EXPO Hall is the most significant building at the entire world’s fair. It is the location for major music events, theatre and artistic performances. It has a striking circular floorplan and flowing roof made of shimmering gold – a modern interpretation of the “Tower of the Sun” from Osaka’s EXPO 1970. The hall accommodates around 1,900 people, including wheelchair spaces. It is a festive site for all visitors – a space that symbolises a “bright future for our lives”. 

The circle also dominates the design of the Japan Pavilion, designed by renowned Japanese architecture firm Nikken Sekkei. The striking, circular construction is made up of many cross-laminated timber panels, assembled using a traditional Japanese construction technique. It symbolises the lifecycle as well as Japan’s cultural and ecological values. This “living building” has a biogas facility that produces energy from Expo waste. The entire structure will be reused after the exhibition – a symbol of sustainability and the circular economy.

 

TOTO supports the vision of EXPO 2025

TOTO actively supports the vision of EXPO 2025 with their commitment to innovative sanitary solutions and their clear focus on hygiene and comfort. The company is delighted to welcome visitors to Osaka, where they can share the advanced toilet technologies found in Japan.


Düsseldorf, July 2025
Reprint free of charge/Copy requested


Links
Official website of Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/
Entrance tickets for the Expo: Tickets
Calendar of all events at the Expo: Event Calendar

 

21 results
Release date