Ireland's Momentum at 2025 Expo Osaka, Japan
In the heart of Osaka, Japan, the upcoming Osaka Expo 2025 is set to be a global celebration of creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange. Among the many exciting attractions, two standout pieces are the magnificent sculpture Magnus Rinn and the Irish Pavilion, both symbolising the deepening cultural ties between Ireland and Japan.
Magnus Rinn, a six-meter tall monumental sculpture, is a stunning fusion of natural materials and artistic craftsmanship. Crafted from bronze, oak, and adorned with light-reflecting gold, the sculpture appears to hover in the air, creating an ethereal and captivating presence[1][5]. The bronze element was masterfully cast at the Fonderia Artistica Mariani in Italy, while the oak component was sourced from Irish forests.
The name Magnus Rinn holds significant cultural meaning. "Magnus" is Latin for "great" or "grand," while "Rinn" is the Irish word for "place." The phonetic resemblance between "Rinn" and the Japanese word "rin," associated with concepts such as ring, circularity, and connection, serves as a deliberate cultural link, embodying a harmonious union of Irish and Japanese heritage and values[3].
The Ireland Pavilion, located just outside the entrance to the Irish pavilion, shares a similar ethos. Inspired by the Celtic triskele motif, the pavilion incorporates traditional Irish design that resonates through ancient European and Irish history. It also shares aesthetic similarities with Japanese wooden architecture, creating a fusion of nature, tradition, and harmony that pays tribute to both cultural landscapes[3].
The sculpture and the pavilion are positioned in an outdoor setting designed by Hiroyuki Tsujii in collaboration with Joseph Walsh Studio. Together, they encapsulate the theme of "Creativity Connects People" at the Expo, providing visitors with an immersive experience of Ireland’s natural and cultural heritage while honouring Japan’s own traditions[3].
In addition to Magnus Rinn and the Ireland Pavilion, Ireland House, a 3,000 sq m flagship government facility wrapped in Irish limestone and oak latticework, overlooking a park in central Tokyo, will open its doors just days after the Osaka Expo. The opening of Ireland House will be marked by an inaugural exhibition celebrating Japanese and Irish creativity, curated by Joseph Walsh and others[4].
The upcoming exhibition at Ireland House features works by local Japanese artists Kan Yasuda, Eiko Kishi, and Sueharu Fukami, as well as Irish artists Sean Scully x Mourne Textiles, Deirdre McLoughlin, and Frances Lambe[4]. Furthermore, Aoyama, who will also stage 'Rinn/Part II' at his gallery in April, praises Walsh's natural silhouettes as depicting the beauty of nature, which is emblematic of Japanese beauty as well[2].
The Osaka Expo 2025 runs from 13 April to 13 October, and visitors can experience Magnus Rinn in its outdoor setting. 'Rinn/' will be on show at Ireland House from 17-30 April. For more information about Magnus Rinn, the Ireland House project, and Joseph Walsh Studio, visit lighthouse-kanata.com, makingin.org, and josephwalshstudio.com, respectively. The website for Osaka Expo 2025 is expo2025.or.jp.
In conclusion, Joseph Walsh's Magnus Rinn and the Ireland Pavilion at Osaka Expo 2025 serve as powerful symbols of cultural connection and respect between Ireland and Japan. They provide an unparalleled opportunity to experience the beauty and richness of both cultures, fostering mutual appreciation and strengthening the cultural ties between the two countries at a major international platform[1][3][5].
The Ireland Pavilion at Osaka Expo 2025, inspired by the Celtic triskele motif, seamlessly blends traditional Irish design with Japanese wooden architecture, showcasing a harmonious fusion of two distinct cultural landscapes in the home-and-garden and travel sectors. The sculpture Magnus Rinn, a stunning blend of natural materials and artistic craftsmanship, standing tall and ethereal in its outdoor setting, demonstrates a fusion of fashion-and-beauty and food-and-drink elements in the creation of an unique piece that represents the deepening cultural ties between Ireland and Japan.
