What You’ll Learn in This Article
- Highlights of the upgraded exhibition and new androids
- Conversation experience with an android modeled after Natsume Soseki, plus pricing
- Essential information on exclusive merchandise, ticket prices, and event dates
The signature pavilion “Future of Life,” which deeply moved visitors at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, has returned as “Future of Life+” at MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives in Takanawa, Tokyo.
It was a popular pavilion that many people visited multiple times during the Expo.
As reservations became increasingly difficult to secure, it was also one of the pavilions that many people regretted missing.
For me, it ranked among the top three most moving pavilions at the entire Expo and was one of the exhibitions I had been hoping to see again.
Here is a detailed report on how that unforgettable Expo experience has evolved and what the venue is like now.
Experience “Future of Life+”: A Report on the Upgraded Exhibition and Its Highlights
◇The Expo’s Worldview Returns, Evolved as “Future of Life+”
The experience begins with two memorable “Aiai” characters from the Expo welcoming visitors.
The display tracing the “journey of life” from dogu clay figures and haniwa to Buddhist statues and androids remains, but unlike at the Expo, visitors now view this scene while listening to an in-person explanation at the venue.
Afterward, the experience continues with an audio guide played through dedicated headphones.
At Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, some visitors struggled with the awkwardly shaped earpieces. This time, they have been replaced with easy-to-wear over-ear headphones, making the experience much more comfortable.
◇Yamatoid Gets a Major Upgrade!
Here, visitors watch a video depicting life 50 years in the future together with the android “Yamatoid.”
At Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, Yamatoid was seated, but this time the android welcomes visitors while standing.
Before the video begins, Yamatoid turns toward visitors on both sides,
which made the android feel even more human and attentive.
Once the video starts, it is easy to focus entirely on the screen and overlook Yamatoid, whose back is turned toward the audience.
Still, be sure to watch Yamatoid along with the video.
That is because the android moves in sync with the footage, almost like a real person.
During a birthday scene, for example, Yamatoid claps, changing its movements to match the video.
Be sure to watch the screen and Yamatoid together.
◇Ride a Train 50 Years in the Future with an Android!?
In the next room, visitors can experience boarding a train set 50 years in the future.
One android sits in the center of the space.
Only two or three visitors can sit directly in front of it.
Those lucky enough to get these seats should compare the video and the android’s movements closely—you may forget to blink.
Even those who cannot sit there need not worry: many other seats offer a front-facing view of the screen while still allowing visitors to observe the android’s movements.
◇New Areas and Androids Not Seen at the Expo
“Future of Life+” also includes newly added exhibits.
In an area featuring five androids, each one appears with a distinct personality.
Visitors are asked to consider whether they would live out their natural lifespan or continue living in android form, followed by an intriguing discussion of the question among the androids themselves.
The scene lasts only about three and a half minutes, but the androids’ movements are remarkably smooth.
Compared with the androids seen last year, their evolution feels dramatic.
This is a new highlight that was not available at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
◇Reunited with “Momo,” an Android Inspired by a World 1,000 Years from Now!
Last year, “Momo,” an android inspired by a world 1,000 years in the future, made a powerful impression in the final area.
Because even Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro cannot fully predict the world 1,000 years from now, the exhibition brings the ideas of the artists and Professor Ishiguro to life through artistic expression and the latest android technology.
“Momo” is also equipped with an interactive function that detects a visitor’s gaze and moves closer.
This feature was not disclosed during Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
Those planning to visit should take time to look closely at Momo.
The exhibition’s vision of a future in which humans and androids coexist remains deeply moving.
I find it moving no matter how many times I see it.
For this area, the creators imagined what might still exist 1,000 years from now. Believing that the forests of Yoshino in Nara, part of the Kansai region that hosted Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, would endure, they created an original fragrance inspired by the Yoshino forest.
Be sure to enjoy the scent as well.
◇A Conversation with the Natsume Soseki Android Feels More Real Than Expected
One of the most memorable features this time was a corner where visitors can speak directly with “Soseki Android 2.0.”
The android asks your name and introduces itself, creating the feeling that Natsume Soseki is alive in the present day.
When you answer its questions, it may respond by connecting your reply to one of Soseki’s novels, making the exchange especially enjoyable for fans of the author.
You can continue the conversation by answering his questions, or ask questions of your own.
It may be helpful to think of several questions in advance.
The natural responses feel almost like speaking with a real person and make the progress of android technology easy to appreciate.
As you watch the eye contact, hand movements, and other details, the three-minute experience passes in no time.
The conversation lasts about three to three and a half minutes, and afterward visitors can take a photo with the android.
Be sure to take a photo together.
This experience requires a separate ticket from the main “Future of Life+” exhibition.
Each session lasts about three minutes, accommodates up to three people per group, and costs US$6.25 including tax.
◇A Growing Lineup of New Merchandise That Wasn’t Available at the Expo
The merchandise has evolved just as much as the exhibition itself.
A wide selection of original “Future of Life+” merchandise is available, including a fragrance inspired by the “Nara-Yoshino forest 1,000 years from now” that drew attention at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, as well as an official exhibition catalog signed by Hiroshi Ishiguro.
The T-shirts feature popular androids, making it difficult to choose just one.
There is also plenty of merchandise featuring Punica, Petra, and Pansy.
The collectible acrylic keychains are especially recommended.
◇An “After Expo” Destination Where You Can Relive the Emotion
Even though Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan has ended, the excitement and emotion live on.
“Future of Life+” further develops the exhibition that moved so many visitors at the Expo, creating an immersive experience that once again invites us to consider what life is and how we should live in the future.
It is a valuable place not only for those who were moved by the Expo, but also for those who could not visit during the event, offering a new way to experience its legacy.
“Future of Life+” Event Information
Event Name
“Future of Life+”
Event Period
Saturday, July 25-Friday, September 25, 2026
Closed
During the first event period: Monday, August 3, 2026
Note: Closure dates are subject to change or additional dates may be added.
Venue
MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives
Box1000 (Takanawa, Minato City, Tokyo)
Admission
Timed-entry reservations in 30-minute intervals
Ticket Prices (Tax Included)
General advance ticket: US$21.88 (weekdays) / US$25.00 (weekends and public holidays)
General same-day ticket: US$25.00 (weekdays) / US$28.13 (weekends and public holidays)
U25: US$15.63 (same price on weekdays, weekends, and public holidays)
Junior high school students and younger: US$9.38 (same price on weekdays, weekends, and public holidays)
Ages 3 and under: Free
Ticket Sales
MoN Takanawa Tickets, the official MoN Takanawa ticketing service “Fever,” and eplus
Official Website
https://montakanawa.jp/programs/future_of_life/
Exchange rate used: US$1 = ¥160.
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