Key Facts
• June 23, 2025: Agreement reached to preserve the ‘Great Roof Ring’ post-Expo.
• Two preservation options: 200 meters in the northeast or 350 meters by the sea.
• Estimated cost: ¥1.7 billion for 10 years of maintenance.
• Proposed use: Observation deck to reduce fire safety costs.
• Current status: Temporary structure with relaxed fireproofing standards.
• Guinness World Record: Largest wooden structure globally.
• Decision timeline: Final preservation plan to be decided by October 2025.
• Purpose: To preserve memories and create a lasting legacy.
Summary
The ‘Great Roof Ring,’ a symbol of the Osaka-Kansai Expo and the world’s largest wooden structure, is set to become a legacy after the Expo’s closure. On June 23, 2025, the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition agreed with Osaka Prefecture and City to preserve the structure in a form accessible to the public. Two options are under consideration: preserving 200 meters in the northeast or 350 meters by the sea for up to 10 years, with an estimated maintenance cost of ¥1.7 billion. The structure may be repurposed as an observation deck to minimize fire safety costs. A final decision on its future will be made by October 2025. The initiative aims to honor the Expo’s legacy and preserve it for future generations.
