At the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, one of the most talked-about pavilions—where queues can stretch up to five hours—is the Italy Pavilion.
Its theme: *“L’Arte Rigenera la Vita” (Art Regenerates Life)*.
The journey begins just past the immersive video presentation, where the first object to catch your eye is *Arturo Ferrarin’s airplane*.
This aircraft was used by aviator Arturo Ferrarin for the first flight from Rome to Tokyo, symbolizing the long-standing connection between Japan and Italy.
Also featured is *Yago – Circulatory System*, a sculptural representation of a heartbeat. The looping video heightens the immersive experience, transforming each beat into a visually striking encounter.
But the true centerpiece lies in its artistic masterpieces.
At the heart of the pavilion is *The Farnese Atlas*, usually housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
This marble sculpture of the muscular Atlas bearing the celestial sphere is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Another rare highlight is Michelangelo’s *Resurrected Christ*, on view in Japan for only the second time.
Standing at roughly two meters tall, this marble statue was originally commissioned by Metello Vari for the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome.
However, due to a dark vein of marble that appeared on Christ’s face, the work was initially abandoned. It was later completed between 1618 and 1619, reportedly by Bernini.
Caravaggio’s iconic *The Entombment of Christ* is also on display, on loan from the Vatican.
Set within a dim, immersive space, the painting emanates a haunting, contemplative atmosphere.
The exhibit concludes with a rare glimpse into the mind of Leonardo da Vinci:
*The Atlantic Codex*, of which only four of the 1,119 pages are being shown exclusively for the Expo.
The Italy Pavilion is more than a showcase.
It is a crossroads of art, science, religion, and technology—a cultural and temporal intersection that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
By looking deeply into the past and contemplating the future, it reveals the true strength of Italy: a nation grounded in timeless depth and vision.
