A drone show held in October in Osaka, six months ahead of the Expo 2025, which is taking place next year in Osaka from 13 April to 13 October. Photo Credit: Expo 2025
With just under five months to go before Osaka opens the doors to Expo 2025, preparations are well underway, however latest reports circulating in Japan suggest a lack of enthusiasm surrounding the event.
As of 20 November, an update on the World Expo website stated that around 7.3 million advance tickets have been sold thus far, just over half of the organiser’s target of 14 million.
And according to The Japan Times, while central and local governments are going full speed ahead to manage preparations and attract visitors from Japan and abroad, as well as promoting the region's cultural heritage, a lack of excitement threatens to overshadow the event.
Related: What you need to know about the World Expo in Osaka
This may be in part due to widely-publicised criticisms of the event, largely levelled at the Expo venue’s spiralling costs, particularly in relation to its Grand Ring Roof. One of the world’s largest wooden structures, the roof is Expo 2025’s centrepiece, and has thus far cost ¥34.4 billion (US$230 million) to build. Preparations for the Expo meanwhile have been plagued by construction delays and labour shortages.
Recent announcements, however, could drum up interest and boost ticket sales. Preregistrations opened last week for the Mirai Human Washing Machine, which will be on display at the Expo. It washes bathers while displaying soothing messages and visitors can sign up for the chance to experience the product.
Expo 2025 is taking place next year in Osaka from 13 April to 13 October 2025, and aims to welcome a projected 28 million visitors, including 3.8 million from overseas.