Details of the Swiss Pavilion, which will be featured at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, were announced at the Swiss consulate in Osaka City.
Under the catchphrase “With Heidi to the Summit of Technology,” the pavilion will be built with a distinctive spherical structure using lightweight membrane architecture to reduce environmental impact. The architectural project, helmed by architect Manuel Herz, general contractor Nüssli, and exhibition designer Bellerplatz Partner, has its rear part already completed, with the front part set to be done within January, and interiors by March 20.
The exhibition will focus on three themes: “Human Enhancement,” “Life,” and “Earth.” Exhibitors will include universities, research institutions, and startups, showcasing over 25 projects. “Human Enhancement” will feature deepfake research from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, highly sensitive skin providing touch to robots, legged robots that can navigate the rugged terrain of exoplanets, and edible robots.
The permanent exhibition will express Swiss values of collaboration and innovation through large papercuts and will be augmented by custom fragrances from DSM & Firmenich. Furthermore, AI technology developed by the Swiss Italian University in Lugano will be used to visualize visitors’ shared visions of the future through spectacular bubble-like art. The themed exhibitions, which will rotate every two months, will focus on the current technological advancements and potential future developments.
The top floor will feature the “Heidi Cafe”, offering a menu that combines Swiss traditional dishes with Japanese ingredients. The staff uniforms are provided by BALLY, and guests will be welcomed in Japanese, English, and the official Swiss languages.
Menu items include “Swiss Style Dog,” “Chicken Katsu ‘Cordon Bleu’,” “Veal Skewers Zurich Style,” “Alpine Style Creamy Macaroni & Cheese,” “Swiss Gruyere Cheese and Shimonita Leek Quiche,” “Swiss Style Potato Pancake ‘Rosti'” (each priced at 1,950 yen), share plates such as “Raclette Cheese,” “Charcuterie and Cheese Platter,” “Japanese Style Lunch Box” (each priced at 2,800 yen), and desserts like “Swiss Pavilion Special Carrot Cheesecake,” “Triple Chocolate Mousse with Chocolate Flakes,” “Traditional Emmental Crème Brûlée with Almond Tuile and Whipped Cream,” and “Swiss Style Seasonal Fruit Tart” (each priced at 1,100 yen). In addition to utilizing rare ingredients like veal sausage, Swiss wine will also be available.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy Nestle coffee and water, as well as purchase wooden toys and exclusive KitKats. The KitKat will be raspberry flavored, representing the Swiss delicacy of ‘Double Cream’, and will only be available at the pavilion’s shop.
National Day will be celebrated on April 22 with a special performance embodying the iconic Alpine character, Heidi, under the theme “I am Heidi.”
The Osaka-Kansai Expo will be held from April 13 to October 13 at Yumeshima, Osaka.
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