Man and His World

A blog that highlights one of the greatest cultural, technological, and social events in history, a World's Fair.

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PAID POST by Japan Cabinet Secretariat — Cocreating a Future Society

From event highlights to connections made, here’s everything — both planned and unexpected — that went down at Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Jap

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Expo closes with 25.58 million visitors, falling short of target

October 15, 2025 - THE ASAHI SHIMBUN

The total number of general visitors to the Osaka Kansai Expo fell short of the projected 28.2 million, largely due to a slow start to the six-month event, according to organizers.

Still, the turnout of 25,578,986 exceeded the 22-million attendance at the 2005 Aichi Expo and the 23 million who visited the 1990 Osaka International Garden and Greenery Expo.

And the 2025 expo is expected to post an operating profit of 23 billion yen to 28 billion yen ($152 million to 185 million).

Including staff and stakeholders, the total number of visitors reached 29 million, according to the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition.

Held from April 13 to Oct. 13, the event saw modest daily attendance in its early months, often only a few tens of thousands.

Attendance surged in the final weeks, with more than 200,000 visitors daily from late September onward.

The busiest day was Monday, Sept. 22, which fell between a Sunday and a national holiday, drawing more than 225,000 visitors.

The slowest day was Tuesday, April 15, with fewer than 48,000 visitors.

In the final 30 days alone, more than 6.57 million people visited, accounting for over a quarter of the total turnout and reflecting last-minute surges seen at previous expos.

The association had expected to sell 23 million tickets, but only 22.07 million had been sold by Oct. 3. The shortfall was largely attributed to low attendance in the first half of the expo.

Despite growing popularity in the final weeks, daily visitor caps and mandatory reservations limited further growth.

“We are sorry that some people wanted to come but couldn’t,” Masakazu Tokura, chairman of the association, said.

The world fair also significantly increased local transit ridership.

According to Osaka Metro Co., 465 million passengers used its subway and New Tram network across 134 stations during the six-month expo period.

This marked a 15-percent increase compared with the same period last year, according to preliminary figures released on Oct. 14.

Yumeshima Station, the gateway to the expo site on the Chuo Line, saw 40 million passengers, averaging 217,000 riders per day.

To accommodate the surge, the railway operator revised its Chuo Line schedule, shortening train intervals to as little as 2.5 minutes and more than doubling the number of trains.

On the final day of the expo, three extra trains departed Yumeshima Station after the last regular run to handle the late-night crowds.

Osaka Metro has since scaled back operations on the Chuo Line to normal levels.

Half of the trains heading toward Yumeshima now turn back at the previous station, Cosmosquare, reducing the number of trains stopping at Yumeshima to a quarter of what was offered during the expo.

(This article was compiled from reports by Koji Nishimura and Kazuhide Setoguchi.)

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Osaka expo wraps up 6-month run after drawing over 25 million visitors

OSAKA (Kyodo) -- The World Exposition in Osaka came to a close Monday after a six-month run that drew more than 25 million visitors through exhibitions showcasing advanced technologies and diverse cultures, with organizers calling the event a success despite some operational challenges.

At the closing ceremony for the event held under the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," a declaration for the expo stated that it had "reaffirmed the pertinence of the expo as a global public good that brings about mutual understanding and dialogue and serve as a catalyst for change."

The expo, held on the artificial island of Yumeshima, was participated by 158 countries and regions. The flag of the Bureau International des Expositions, a Paris-based body that oversees world expos, was handed to Saudi Arabia, the 2030 host.

"By uniting our hearts, we were able to create a wonderful exposition that brought satisfaction to many people," Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said at the closing ceremony, emphasizing the importance of "solidarity rather than division" and "tolerance rather than confrontation."

Crown Prince Fumihito, who also attended the ceremony, said, "It was meaningful to have had the opportunity to think about solutions to the common challenges facing humanity together."

As of Sunday, the total number of general visitors reached a preliminary 25.29 million, surpassing the 22.05 million recorded at the previous Japan-hosted expo in 2005 in Aichi Prefecture but falling short of organizers' projected 28.20 million.

A total of 22.07 million tickets were sold and licensed merchandise, including plush toys of the official mascot Myaku-Myaku, generated about 80 billion yen ($525 million) in sales as of late August. The organizers expect an operating surplus of up to 28 billion yen.

But the expo was not without hiccups. Its preparation was overshadowed by concerns over rising construction costs, delays in pavilion completion and low public support.

Ticket sales gradually picked up after the expo opened in mid-April thanks to positive word of mouth. But long lines formed throughout the venue on a daily basis, including under the sweltering summer heat, despite what was aimed to become a "no-queue expo" via an advance reservation system for entry and pavilion visits.

Some visitors with tickets were also unable to secure reservations for entry, forcing organizers to issue several hundred same-day replacement tickets daily to accommodate them.

Dismantling and removal of pavilions is scheduled to begin after next week, with the land to be returned to Osaka city by the end of February 2028.

However, there are concerns that an unresolved issue regarding unpaid fees to subcontractors involved in constructing some international pavilions could deter contractors from taking part in demolition work after the expo closes.

Around 200 meters of the venue's emblematic 2-kilometer-long Grand Ring wooden roof structure will be preserved in its current form, with the remaining sections to be dismantled with some parts reused.

The Grand Ring has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's largest wooden architectural structure.

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A Touching Sunrise Surprise: How the Czech Pavilion Saved an All-Night Expo

August 14, 2025.

To all who endured the all-night event at the 2025 Expo, thank you for your hard work. Many of you likely experienced a “hellish night,” filled with unimaginable crowds and exhaustion. However, at the end of that challenging night, we were saved by the warm hospitality of the Czech Pavilion’s director and staff.

1. The “Hellish” Night at the Expo

The all-night Expo event was packed with a massive number of visitors. The venue became so crowded that it was difficult to move, with long lines for popular pavilions, restrooms, and food courts. Many people sat on the ground in exhaustion, and some even fell ill.

Specific Examples:

Tickets for popular pavilions were all gone before dawn.

With no resting spaces available, many attendees were forced to sit on the ground.

In the middle of the night, some people were taken to the first-aid room due to fatigue and sleep deprivation.

As many attendees mumbled, “I want to go home now,” or “I’ll never come back,” dawn began to approach.

2. A Miraculous Dawn: The Czech Pavilion’s Thoughtful Gesture

As the sun began to rise, a glimmer of hope appeared for the exhausted attendees. The director of the Czech Pavilion took a microphone and made a surprising announcement to the crowd gathered in front of the building.

“Everyone, thank you for your patience throughout the night. Would you like to welcome the dawn of the Expo in the best possible way? We will now open the rooftop of our pavilion. Let’s watch the sunrise together.“

This surprise announcement was met with gasps of surprise and thunderous applause. Watching the sunrise over Osaka Bay from the rooftop of the Czech Pavilion, one of the tallest points at the Expo, was the greatest gift for the attendees who had endured a hellish night.

3. The “Spontaneous Kindness” of the Staff Was What Mattered Most

Even after the rooftop was opened, the staff of the Czech Pavilion continued to impress us with their incredible support.

Staff Member A (Student Volunteer):

Seeing the exhausted attendees, they approached them and said, “Here, please use this cold towel.” They had prepared these towels in advance.

Staff Member B (Local Staff):

They kindly warned each person, “The rooftop is quite windy, so please be careful not to let your belongings fly away,” ensuring everyone’s safety.

Staff Member C (Veteran Staff):

On the rooftop, they handed out warm cocoa, sharing stories about Czech culture with a smile.

They didn’t just follow instructions; they went above and beyond, showing genuine, spontaneous hospitality to every single attendee.

4. Conclusion: Thank You, Czech Republic!

That night, we experienced more than just the challenges of a large-scale event. We also witnessed the beauty of understanding others’ pain and acting with genuine compassion.

To the director and the amazing staff of the Czech Pavilion, who turned a “hellish night” into an unforgettable, moving experience, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your kindness and warmth will be deeply etched in the hearts of all who were there, just like the beautiful sunrise over the Expo.

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The Unsung Heroes of the All-Night Expo: How the Netherlands and Portugal Pavilions Turned a Grueling Night into a Party

August 14, 2025

To everyone who braved the all-night event at Expo 2025, you know it was a long and exhausting night. The massive crowds and long lines made it a grueling experience for many. But what turned a potentially “hellish” night into an unforgettable memory was the incredible kindness of staff at the Netherlands Pavilion, the Portugal Pavilion, and countless other heroes on the ground.

1. Pavilions That Kept Hope Alive Until Dawn

As the night wore on, most pavilions closed their doors, but a few chose to stay open to offer weary visitors a place to rest.

The Netherlands Pavilion:

Instead of closing, they opened up their indoor spaces as a rest area.

Staff members went above and beyond, handing out warm tea to tired visitors and telling them to take it easy.

They even opened their rooftop, offering a breathtaking view of the city lights and providing a serene spot to wait for the sunrise.

The Portugal Pavilion:

The staff here took it a step further, not only opening their doors but also creating an impromptu party.

They started an impromptu dance to traditional Portuguese music, cheering everyone up.

Visitors, who had been sitting tiredly just minutes before, were soon clapping and cheering, their spirits lifted by the staff’s energy.

2. The Heroes Who Provided Water and Security

The true magic of the night wasn’t just in the pavilions; it was in the small, spontaneous acts of kindness from countless people.

Dedicated Staff Members:

Despite working all night, they greeted every person with a smile.

One staff member, seeing a group looking lost, immediately guided them to an open rest area.

Others handed out free water bottles to prevent dehydration, a simple but life-saving gesture.

Security and Police:

The police and security guards weren’t just there to keep order; they were a lifeline.

When an elderly person felt unwell, a security guard was quick to call for medical assistance.

They also helped find a lost child, ensuring a panicked parent was quickly reunited with their family. A police officer’s kind words—”We’re here to make sure everyone has a safe and fun time”—were particularly comforting.

3. Conclusion: A Night of Compassion

The all-night Expo was a test of endurance. But what we’ll remember isn’t the long lines or the fatigue; it’s the profound kindness we witnessed. The generosity of the Netherlands and Portugal pavilions, combined with the unwavering dedication of the staff, security, and police, transformed a difficult night into an unforgettable experience.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, to everyone who showed such amazing compassion. You truly made the Expo a place of warmth and community.

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Location data shows thousands spent night at Osaka Expo site after recent train trouble

OSAKA -- Analysis of smartphone location data has revealed that thousands of visitors and staff spent the night at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, venue after many were unable to return home between the night of Aug. 13 and the following morning due to train trouble.

While the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition announced that about 30,000 people remained at the venue as of 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 13, subsequent movements were previously unclear.

The Mainichi Shimbun analyzed data provided by Agoop Corp., a subsidiary of Japanese telecommunications and IT giant SoftBank Corp. The data covered the Expo site on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka's Konohana Ward, as well as surrounding areas including Osaka Metro Yumeshima Station and bus terminals. Location data from users who had given prior consent was anonymized and aggregated hourly. According to Agoop, the figures closely estimate the actual number of people present.

Around 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 13, Osaka Metro Co. suspended operations on the Chuo Line between Yumeshima Station and Nagata Station, located in the city of Higashiosaka, due to a power outage. At about 10:10 p.m., limited services began between Yumeshima Station and Cosmosquare Station on the opposite shore in Osaka's Suminoe Ward, but full services did not resume until 5:25 a.m. on Aug. 14.

Location data indicates that more than 10,000 people may have been stranded in the Expo area in the two hours leading up to 2 a.m., Aug. 14. On the previous night, when there were no issues on the Chuo Line, only several hundred people were apparently present during the same time frame.

The expo association began announcing around 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 14 that the New Tram, which connects at Cosmosquare Station, and the Yotsubashi Line were operating through the night.

According to location data, the number of people stranded decreased until just before 3 a.m. but from then onward to before 7 a.m., there was little change. This suggests that those who were able to make it to central Osaka but had no further transportation options chose to stay overnight at the venue. Numerous people waited for services to resume inside pavilions or under the large "Grand Ring" wooden structure, and the phrase "all-night Expo" circulated widely on social media.

(Japanese original by Tatsuya Naganuma, Osaka City News Department)

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Remnants of the 1939-1940 New York World's Fair left in Flushing Meadows Park in 1942.

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“Why not Spokane?” – celebrating 50 years of Expo '74

Between 4 May and 2 November 1974, the City of Spokane in the US State of Washington gathered the world for a Specialised Expo under the the

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Florida Pavilion, 1939 New York World’s Fair

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Beauty or rationality: What drives architectural innovations at World Expos?

Architecture since the Industrial Revolution has been dependent on pioneering building techniques and technological innovations. Their development requires experimentation, usually too risky and economically indeterminate in everyday design. World Expos, nominally used for self-presentation of nations’ achievements, have become a laboratory for exp...

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Five visions for Specialised Expo 2027/28

The five countries seeking to host a Specialised Expo in 2027 or 2028 – Thailand, Serbia, Spain, Argentina and the United States - presented their different visions for the next Specialised Expo during the 170th General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in Paris on 20 June

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Over 24 million visits recorded at recently concluded Expo 2020 Dubai

Arrivals at Dubai International Airport recorded growth of 12.7 per cent in 2021 compared to 2020.

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