Every day, the Sumitomo Pavilion welcomed visitors from all over the world. With lanterns in hand, they ventured into the “UNKNOWN FOREST: Stories Waiting to be Discovered” and took part in activities like planting Japanese cypress saplings—experiences found nowhere else. These moments, unique to the Sumitomo Pavilion, have become treasured memories. Here are just a few of the voices of our visitors.
The moment I stepped into the forest, it felt unlike any other pavilion—for a second I wondered if I had wandered into a Universal Studios Japan attraction. The quality was incredible.
It felt incredibly real and beautifully executed. I think it’s wonderful for children—a great learning experience.
Surrounded by nature, I felt its closeness and recognized anew how all life is connected.
We had such a great time. For the kids especially, planting a tree that will grow into the future was a wonderful experience.
I’m not sure they’ll remember it when they’re older, but I’d love to tell my daughters someday, “You planted those trees when you were little children.
What set this pavilion apart was how interactive it was. Being able to follow my own inclination as I move around with the lantern in my hand was incredibly cool.
The idea that the end of one person or animal nourishes the rest of the forest stayed with me. It helped me genuinely understand how everything is connected in the “circle of life.”
The aesthetic was on a completely different level from the other pavilions. In most places you could still tell you were inside an exhibit, but here it truly felt like stepping into a real forest.
I watched the theater sequence from the side seat because I use a wheelchair, but the wind and rain actually felt even more three-dimensional from there—almost as if they were resonating through my body.
Stepping into the forest felt like the start of an adventure, and the excitement was so evident.
During the theater scene where a fallen tree is a source of new life, my daughter was totally absorbed. Clearly, the experience had touched her.
In the theater, the dancers performed perfectly in sync with the visuals, and it was absolutely beautiful—really moving to watch.
Seeing the cycle of life and how everything is connected made me realize just how precious life is. It made me want to look at plants and animals with a kinder, more appreciative eye.
The attendants were great. They helpfully illuminated the path where it was hard to see and kindly pointed out the hidden rooms. Thanks to their timely support, our visit went smoothly and was most enjoyable.
I planted a tree and watered it three times. I hope it grows big and strong.
The tree-planting was such a special experience for the youngsters. I’m so glad we came, and one day I hope we can visit the forest and see the trees we planted.
It was fascinating to see how Sumitomo Group, which traces its history back to the Besshi Copper Mines, has grown from its original business and nowadays comprises so many companies.
Holding lanterns with my kids and hunting for all sorts of insects and animals was great fun.
The squirrels and ladybugs in the forest were adorable!
As the forest was damaged and then regenerated, the dancers took on the role of the wind, showing how it moves through the forest and affects everything in it.
I really loved the story showing how every lifeform depends on others. Each organism plays a role in sustaining the forest, and together they form a connected web of life.
The theater was amazing. With its double screens, everything felt so three-dimensional—especially once the dancers appeared.
I was surprised to see real dancers, and the way they moved in perfect sync with the video was fantastic.
When I learned that trees planted in the year of Expo 1970 Osaka were used in the construction of this building, I very much wanted my son to a plant a tree. Someday, I hope we can visit a building that includes timber from a tree he planted.
The saplings are still small, but it will be such a joy to see them grow into a lush, green forest.
Wandering around with a lantern in my hand was so exciting—such a fun and creative idea!
The cave made entirely of white paper leaves was stunningly beautiful!
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