【Exhibition on Itokawa and Ryugu】 Asteroid sample display at the Japan Pavilion, Expo 2025 Osaka (Apr. 13 – Oct. 13, 2025)

Since April 13, 2025, real asteroid samples have been on display at the Japan Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka, held in Osaka, Japan. The exhibit features particles returned by the asteroid probes Hayabusa—which brought back samples from asteroid Itokawa in June 2010—and Hayabusa2, which delivered samples from asteroid Ryugu in December 2020.

The exhibit is part of a section showcasing Japan’s advanced technologies, and is presented alongside a model of the Hayabusa return capsule. The theme of this area is “growing stronger by breaking down”—an idea reflected in the capsule’s heatshield design.

To withstand the extreme heat of atmospheric re-entry—over 10,000°C—the capsule’s surface was designed to gradually evaporate, dissipating heat and protecting the materials inside. Rather than resisting the heat, it endured by letting go—like sprinkling water on hot pavement.

Thanks to this technology, the asteroid samples were safely returned and are now used in ongoing scientific research.
We invite you to visit the pavilion and take a closer look at these remarkable materials from space.

For more information, please visit:
Monthly Japan Pavilion – Official site of the Japan Pavilion
https://2025-japan-pavilion.go.jp/

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai – Official website
https://www.expo2025.or.jp/