Better Co-Being : Signature Pavilion of Miyata Hiroaki

Co-designing our future in a resonance of lives

We are now connecting the world, which was once economically centred,
to the diverse pillars of life - be it the environment, human rights, health, peace, and education.

The thematic project for the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan,
“Resonance of Lives,” will provide an experience of creating a new world together
in the midst of this profound turning point.

How can we better share resources, instead of fighting over them?
How can we respect each other and connect, rather than draw boundaries that divide us?
“Better Co-Being” will be a place where we live in connection,
working toward the future, resonating with other persons, with nature, and with the world.

We welcome you to stop by and experience the resonance.

Miyata Hiroaki

Producer

Professor, Keio University MIYATA HIROAKI

Born in 1978. Professor, School of Medicine, Keio University.
Specialises in data science, scientific methodology, and value co-creation
His research revolves around promoting social reform through utilising data science and other scientific methods to change society for the better. Is involved in a range of projects in and outside the field of medicine, such as the National Clinical Database involving 5,000 hospitals around Japan in collaboration with the medical specialist system and the nationwide COVID-related LINE surveys led by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. Also works with the Keidanren and World Economic Forum to develop a new vision of society. One of the visions of society that Miyata has co-created is a “resonant society” characterised by vibrancy and diversity where each individual shines through experiencing that world with others.

Biography

Completed the Master’s Program at the Division of Health Sciences and Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo in 2003. Doctor (by dissertation only) of Health Sciences in the same field.
Served as an assistant at the Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University and assistant professor at the University of Tokyo, Healthcare Quality Assessment. Appointed as associate professor at the University of Tokyo, Healthcare Quality Assessment in April 2009 and professor at the same in April 2014 (part-time from May 2015). Has served as professor at Health Policy and Management, Keio University School of Medicine since May 2015. Appointed as visiting professor at Osaka University in December 2020.

Concept of "Better Co-being"

Experiences and Beyond

Better Co-Being is set in a corner of the “Forest of Tranquility” in the centre of the Expo site.
We envisioned the Forest as a symbol of a future society where humans share and co-create data.
Organic matter is generated from light and water, and shared with the world.
The forest links the entire ecosystem as a community and supports the world.
Plants and forests are full of inspiration for a society where humans share data.

A pavilion without a roof or walls.
We wanted to redefine the role of architecture at a turning point in history.
Rather than drawing boundaries with the forest, the pavilion blends and resonates with it.
Each visitor standing inside the pavilion will envision a new age of resonance never seen before.

In the pavilion exhibition, we aim to provide a resonant experience where visitors connect with each other and together envision the future. Visitors will form groups, starting from the chance connection of being gathered at the same time and place, and journey through three major resonant experiences together, moving toward the future. Each resonant experience is being planned and created in collaboration with artists active both domestically and internationally.
"Entrance"

The journey begins at a magical entrance that seamlessly blends into the forest. Here, people who have gathered by chance will form groups and set out on a journey through the pavilion together, envisioning the future.
Sequence 1

"Resonance between People"

In Sequence 1, with the theme of “Resonance between People,” visitors will reflect on themselves and others, creating an experience that allows them to rediscover “how we connect.” The art installations, composed of diverse motifs, resonate with the theme of the Expo. By confronting motifs that illuminate values important to others and wishes within themselves, visitors will find clues to resonating with others as they journey toward the future together.
Sequence 2

"Resonance between People and the World"

Sequence 2 focuses on the theme of "Resonance between People and the World," where visitors connect with each other and face the world together to create a better future. Building on the recognition of differences between self and others and diverse values in Sequence 1, visitors will create a "rainbow," symbolizing a better future. This experience, where visitors walk together while recognizing differences underfoot yet gazing up at the same sky, reflects the Expo’s theme of "Designing Future Society for Our Lives."
Sequence 3

"Resonance between People and the Future"

In Sequence 3, with the theme of “Resonance between People and the Future,” the experiences of visitors gathered at that moment will come together, creating a sensory experience focused on video art that imagines the future. The experience, where intentions to face the future resonate with each other, connecting people, the world, and the future, will vary depending on weather conditions and the group of visitors present. Though these resonant moments may be fleeting, we hope that the resonance of "Better Co-Being" will serve as a guide for walking together toward the future.

Key Catalysts

Two key catalysts, linked by data, will guide visitors through the resonant experience.

Better Co-Being App

A web app that supports visitors' resonant experiences. Throughout the duration of the Expo, it will archive visitor experiences and encourage awareness of the diverse perspectives and values of others.

Wonder Stone "echorb"

A mysterious tactile device that guides visitors through the resonant experience, utilizing 3DHaptics technology. It connects diverse participants and sparks moments of resonance.

Staff

Architecture SANAA

Sejima and Nishizawa were jointly awarded the Golden Lion at the 9th Venice Architecture Biennale in 2004. They both were awarded the Pritzker Prize in 2010.
SANAA’s major works include the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa (Japan), the New Museum of Contemporary Art (USA), the Rolex Learning Center, EPFL (Switzerland), Louvre-Lens (France), Grace Farms (USA), Shogin TACT Tsuruoka (Japan), Hitachi City Hall (Japan), Bocconi University New Urban Campus (Italy), La Samaritaine (France), and Sydney Modern Project (Australia).

SEJIMA KAZUYO

Sejima Kazuyo (b. 1956, Ibaraki, Japan) studied architecture at the Japan Women’s University. In 1987 she opened her own studio Kazuyo Sejima & Associates, and then in 1995, together with Ryue Nishizawa, she founded SANAA. She is currently a professor at the Polytechnic University of Milan, a visiting professor at Japan Women’s University and Osaka University of Arts, an Emeritus Professor at Yokohama National University, and Director of Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum.

NISHIZAWA RYUE

Nishizawa Ryue (b. 1966, Tokyo, Japan) studied architecture at Yokohama National University. In 1995, he opened SANAA with Kazuyo Sejima, and in 1997 he founded the Office of Ryue Nishizawa. He is currently a professor at Yokohama Graduate School of Architecture (Y-GSA).

Curator HASEGAWA YUKO

Hasegawa Yuko is a curator and art critic based in Tokyo. She currently holds positions as Director of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, Artistic Director of the Inujima Art House Project and Professor of the Graduate School of Global Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts. She has curated multiple international art biennials and was the Artistic Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo until 2021. New Ecology and Art: Anthropocene as dithering time (2022) is her recent publication.