Architect Sou Fujimoto says his ‘Grand Ring’ will be a symbol of unity at the Osaka Expo

Osaka –

A towering wooden “Grand Ring” built for Expo 2025 in Osaka pays homage to Japan’s architectural history and is a symbol of unity despite criticism over costs, its creator says.

The 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) circumference of Sou Fujimoto’s striking structure will surround dozens of national pavilions at the six-month-long event from April.

World Expo, held every five years in different locations, allows participating countries to show off their technological and cultural strengths.