Osaka Expo roof recognised as world's biggest wooden structure

The grand roof at the venue for the 2025 World Expo in Osaka has been officially recognised as the world's largest wooden architectural structure by Guinness World Records.

The roof, known as the Grand Ring, spans over 61,000 square metres, making it a standout feature of the six-month-long event set to begin on April 13.

Architect Sosuke Fujimoto, who designed the roof, said at the award ceremony that he hopes this symbol of the Expo will convey a message about the importance of unity in a world that is increasingly divided.

The structure, which was completed on February 27, reflects the Expo's theme of "Unity in Diversity."

Standing up to 20 metres high, with a circumference of nearly 2 km, the Grand Ring is built from around 27,000 cubic metres of timber, including Japanese cypress and cedar, as well as European red pines.