Osaka Art & Design 2025:

Osaka is set to become the world’s stage for creativity this year as Osaka Art & Design 2025 (OAD2025) transforms the city into a sprawling, interactive art gallery from May 28 to June 24. Whether you’re in Osaka or connecting from afar, OAD2025 offers countless ways to experience cutting-edge art, design, and digital innovation.

Osaka Art & Design began in 2023 as a bold initiative by a coalition of major department stores, railway companies, and cultural institutions, aiming to elevate the city’s creative identity on the global stage, especially in anticipation of Expo 2025. The event quickly established itself as a platform for showcasing both established and emerging creators, weaving art and design into the fabric of daily urban life. The festival is not just an annual event but an ongoing movement to reinforce Osaka’s role as a leader in creativity and innovation.

• Citywide Festival: Over 60 venues across Umeda, Shinsaibashi, Namba, Abeno, and more will host exhibitions, pop-up installations, performances, and talks. More than 600 artists and brands from Japan and around the world will participate, with an expected 650,000 visitors.
• Immersive Installations: Don’t miss “The Gene of Curiosity” by Sayaka Miyata and Midori Hirota, which links the Osaka Umeda Twin Towers North to the Hankyu Department Store, turning a daily commute into a journey through a museum of wonder.
• Art in Everyday Spaces: OAD2025 brings creativity to department stores, train stations, bars, and public plazas, making art accessible to everyone.
• Nightlife and Talks: Experience Osaka’s vibrant nightlife through bar exhibitions and late-night artist talks, blending the city’s social scene with its creative pulse.

• Grab a festival map and plan your route through the city’s neighborhoods.
• Visit as many venues as possible to collect digital stamps and win prizes.
• Attend talks, performances, and nightlife events for a deeper dive into Osaka’s creative culture.

If you can’t make it to Osaka, you can still participate in OAD2025’s digital events:

• Digital Stamp Rally: Use your smartphone to explore virtual versions of festival venues. Collect digital stamps by scanning QR codes at each site-either in person or online-and unlock digital gift card prizes. This gamified experience is integrated with the EXPO 2025 Digital Wallet and uses NFT technology for secure, collectible digital rewards.
• Virtual Expo: The Osaka Virtual Expo 2025 is a fully playable video game, allowing users worldwide to explore digital pavilions, collect badges, and interact with art installations in a rich, immersive online environment. You can access it via desktop, mobile, or VR devices, making the festival’s creative spirit truly global.
• LINE App Integration: The festival’s official LINE app provides up-to-date information, venue guides, ticketing, and digital rally participation, ensuring a seamless and interactive experience even for remote attendees.

• Join the digital stamp rally and virtual expo from anywhere in the world.
• Follow the festival’s social media for live streams, artist interviews, and behind-the-scenes content.
• Use the official website and LINE app to stay updated and participate in interactive events.

Osaka Art & Design 2025 is more than an art festival, it's a citywide invitation to discover, connect, and be inspired. Whether you’re wandering the streets of Osaka or exploring from your living room, OAD2025 ensures that art and design are within everyone’s reach.

---Articles Referenced in this Blog---

1. What is Osaka Art & Design? (Official PDF)
2. Yahoo Finance: Osaka Art & Design 2025: Turning Osaka City, Japan, into a Canvas
3. PRNewswire: Osaka Art & Design 2025: Turning Osaka City, Japan, into a Canvas
4. Osaka Art & Design Official Site
5. Osaka-Kansai Art Festival Digital Stamp Rally
6. Forbes: The Osaka Virtual Expo 2025 Is A Fully Playable Video Game

About the Author

Nikki Lopez is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the startup world, specializing in leveraging creative content and community building to empower content creators. Known for a strategic approach and a deep understanding of audience needs, Nikki has a proven track record of leading the development of engaging content strategies and guiding the growth of thriving communities. Her leadership focuses on fostering meaningful interactions and impactful journeys for both creators and their audiences.