Inside the Grand Ring: Japan’s Radical Timber Mega-Structure

When I first laid eyes on the Grand Ring, I was struck by its raw beauty and ambition. What if I told you that the world’s largest timber structure isn’t a towering skyscraper or a forgotten ancient wonder, but a breathtaking ring in the heart of Japan? This is no ordinary feat of modern architecture; it’s a return to nature, a celebration of tradition, and a statement of what is possible when ancient craftsmanship meets the boldest aspirations of the future. Welcome to the Grand Ring of Osaka Expo 2025 – a 1.2-mile-long masterpiece, built entirely from wood, challenging the very definition of contemporary design.

Osaka Expo 2025

Stretching across nearly two kilometers, the Grand Ring serves as the central hub of the Expo 2025 Osaka site, connecting pavilions, parks, and event spaces. But it is much more than a walkway; it embodies an idea — a perfect fusion of past and future. Constructed primarily with Japanese cedar and cypress, the Grand Ring brings to life the beauty of traditional joinery, where wood meets wood without the use of nails or metal. It’s a design philosophy that echoes Japan’s architectural heritage, seen in the temples of centuries past, yet built to withstand the demands of the modern world.

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With a diameter of 675 meters and standing as high as 20 meters in some places, the Grand Ring offers a spectacularly expansive design. As you walk through it, you feel a unique sense of harmony. The structure feels at once timeless and progressive, offering a seamless connection between the environment and the architecture itself.

Project Cost

The Grand Ring cost about 35 billion yen ($244 million) to build and used around 27,000 cubic meters of wood from Japan and overseas. However, this investment goes beyond financial value; it is a message of resilience, unity, and respect for nature. The Grand Ring was never just about showcasing the latest technology or constructing an iconic structure.

It’s about making a statement — showing the world that progress doesn’t require abandoning the past. By choosing wood over concrete and preserving ancient methods instead of relying solely on modern innovation, the Grand Ring demonstrates an entirely new way forward.

The Grand Ring in Osaka, Japan, is an architectural marvel with a building area of 61,035.55 m². Its impressive design features an inner diameter of approximately 615 meters and an outer diameter of around 675 meters, with a width of about 30 meters. Standing at a height of around 12 meters (20 meters on the exterior), the Grand Ring also includes a skywalk for visitors, offering elevated views of the structure. The ring is primarily constructed from domestic timber, including Japanese cedar and cypress, which make up about 70% of the wood used. The remaining 30% is sourced from foreign Scots Pine. The project was brought to life under the guidance of Expo Site Design Producer FUJIMOTO Sou, with general design contributions from TOHATA ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS and Azusa Sekkei Co., Ltd. The construction was carried out through joint ventures across different areas: the North-East area saw collaboration between Obayashi Corporation, Daitetsu Kogyo Co., Ltd., Tsuchiya Corporation, and Yasui Architects & Engineers, Inc., while the South-East area involved SHIMIZU-TOKYU-MURAMOTO-Asunaro Aoki Joint Venture. The West Construction Area was handled by a joint venture consisting of Takenaka Corporation, Nankai Tatsumura Construction, Takenaka Civil Engineering & Construction, and Showa Sekkei, Incorporated.

Sky Walk

One of the Grand Ring’s most stunning features is the Sky Walk. Positioned at the top of the ring, this elevated path offers an incredible view of Osaka Bay and the entire Expo grounds. As you stroll through it, you’re enveloped by a changing landscape of plants and flowers that bloom in tune with the seasons. Here, in this futuristic space, nature and innovation stand side by side, reminding us that we must appreciate the present while we shape the future.

Cultural Significance

The Grand Ring carries deep cultural significance. It is more than just a physical structure; it’s a symbol of healing. Some of the wood used in its construction comes from regions impacted by natural disasters, including Fukushima. This intentional choice imbues the ring with a narrative of recovery, resilience, and community strength. The circular shape of the Grand Ring itself represents unity, a continuous path that embraces everyone who walks through it.

No beginning, no end — just a symbol of togetherness in a fragmented world.

The Future of Architecture

In an era where the world is grappling with the effects of climate change, the Grand Ring makes an impactful statement about sustainability. Building the largest timber structure in history isn’t just about creating a visually stunning landmark. It’s a powerful demonstration of how large-scale architecture can be environmentally responsible. The majority of the timber used was sourced locally from Japan’s forests, and much of it comes from areas affected by past disasters, adding an emotional layer to the materials. These choices reflect a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that the Grand Ring isn’t just an architectural marvel, but also a symbol of hope and renewal.

Designed with natural ventilation, shaded areas, and carefully planned greenery, the Grand Ring’s construction minimizes energy consumption. It’s a quiet revolution in modern architecture — showcasing that grandeur and sustainability can coexist harmoniously.

A Landmark for Generations to Come?

As the Expo 2025 concludes in October 2025, the fate of the Grand Ring remains uncertain. Originally conceived as a temporary structure, many are now calling for its permanent preservation. Could it become a lasting symbol of Japan’s commitment to sustainability, much like the Eiffel Tower did after the 1889 World’s Fair?

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Preserving the Grand Ring would send a clear message: architecture doesn’t have to be disposable, and the future can be built with respect for both tradition and the planet.

Osaka Expo 2025 and Beyond

The Grand Ring is not just a structure; it’s part of a larger vision. Expo 2025 is themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” and it invites nations from around the globe to share their visions of a sustainable, connected future. Among all the futuristic ideas on display, the Grand Ring stands apart. It doesn’t shout for attention with flashy designs or futuristic technology. Instead, it invites you to slow down, to breathe, and to connect with the beauty of the present moment.

Perhaps, in a world increasingly obsessed with the new, the Grand Ring offers us a powerful reminder of what truly matters — tradition, sustainability, and unity.