The 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan, will take place from April 13 to October 13, under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” The China Pavilion, one of the largest foreign-built pavilions at the Expo, is themed “Building a Community of Life for Humans and Nature – A Future Society of Green Development.”
With just over a month until the Expo’s opening, interest in the China Pavilion is growing both domestically and internationally. Today, the China Pavilion’s official logo and mascot were finally unveiled.
China Pavilion Logo: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
The logo features Shigu Script (Stone Drum Inscriptions) as its primary design element, showcasing a strong Chinese cultural essence. Known as the “ancestor of Chinese engraved characters,” Shigu Script is square, dignified, and elegant, carrying deep historical and cultural value. The logo integrates traditional script with modern design, creating a seal-like effect that embodies the symmetrical beauty of Eastern aesthetics.
The primary color of the logo is China Red, symbolizing enthusiasm, vitality, and celebration. The two Chinese characters “China” are presented in a clear and concise manner, making the logo easily recognizable among those of over 100 participating countries, regions, and international organizations.
Through this emblem, China extends a warm invitation to friends worldwide, promising a showcase of classic Chinese culture and a heartfelt welcome to all visitors.
The Mascot “YouYou”: A Friendly Giant Panda Ambassador
The official mascot of the China Pavilion is a giant panda named “YouYou.” As China’s national treasure, the giant panda has always been a symbol of friendship at major international events. With its adorable and gentle nature, the panda represents China’s values of harmony, trust, and good-neighborly relations. YouYou embodies the spirit of kindness and friendship, reinforcing China’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and a shared vision of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
The name “YouYou” is simple to pronounce, with a smooth and melodious sound that can be easily remembered by people from all language backgrounds. It allows audiences worldwide to quickly connect with YouYou as a “new friend.”
Additionally, the name “YouYou” holds four symbolic meanings:
- “Endless Time” (时光悠悠): The giant panda, an exclusive and rare species of China, is known as a “living fossil” of biological evolution. Having survived for 8 million years, it inspires reflection on the harmony between species and the natural world, as well as the coexistence of humans and nature.
- “Graceful Bamboo” (竹韵悠悠): Bamboo, an inseparable part of a panda’s life, is also a cultural symbol in China, carrying various positive meanings. YouYou is depicted holding a fresh bamboo shoot, symbolizing “preparedness and confidence” in welcoming visitors from around the world.
- “Adorable Charm” (萌趣悠悠): With its endearing and playful appearance, YouYou exudes a soothing and joyful presence. The black-and-white panda is sure to bring happiness and warmth to all visitors.
- “Heartfelt Bonds” (真情悠悠): The giant panda has long served as a symbol of China’s friendship with countries worldwide. Over the decades, especially in Japan, the host country, pandas have built bridges of cultural exchange and delivered heartfelt connections that transcend national borders.
With YouYou as its ambassador, the China Pavilion at the 2025 Osaka Expo looks forward to welcoming guests from all over the world, sharing China’s cultural heritage, and promoting global harmony through nature, friendship, and sustainability.