TEXT & PHOTO: PEERAPAT WIMOLRUNGKARAT

(For Thai, press here) 

If we’re being honest, most people heading to Expo 2025 Osaka probably have one main goal in mind: to see the pavilions they’ve been eyeing. Whether it’s out of curiosity about what each country will showcase or simply hoping their visit will be the lucky charm that finally wins them the lottery. Well, who doesn’t want a bit of good fortune? 

But beyond the spectacle of each elaborate pavilion, there’s something else that absolutely deserves a mention: the Grand Ring, an enormous wooden structure officially known as the ‘Ring of Hearts.’ Walking into it for the first time, the only reaction that comes to mind is, “Whoa… it’s that big?” And it’s not just about the sheer size. It’s full of refined, unmistakably Japanese sensibilities. The interplay of light and shadow is stunning with every step. You don’t feel like you’re just looping around. You feel like you’re constantly moving through something new. 

Now, all of that is impressive on its own. But what I really want to talk about today is… the restroom, folks! 

Often overlooked, the restrooms here have been remarkably well thought out. Some are so beautifully designed they feel like miniature pavilions themselves. You might go in expecting to just do your business, but it turns into a bit of an architectural exploration. Some even have separate entrances and exits. It’s clever, though a little disorienting if you’re not used to it. A few people even got lost. But it’s the kind of lost that makes you laugh, not panic. More like, “LOL, wrong way out,” than anything serious. 

But! One important warning:
Before heading in, check the signs carefully.
Some of these restrooms have design quirks, and if you’re not paying attention… you might end up with a very unexpected, unforgettable experience.

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Peerapat Wimolrungkarat (Add) is a photographer who loves capturing still moments that move within memory.
Leica Ambassador (Thailand)
Architecture photography @somethingarchitecture

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