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Why Is Osaka Expo a Bust With Japan’s Inbound Tourists?
The Osaka Expo takes place next year. But does anyone care?
By Marin Akasaka
Japan will host the upcoming World Expo in Osaka next year. With the six-month countdown soon approaching, it’s struggling to generate sufficient interest and awareness, particularly among international travelers. Why is Osaka failing to sell this critical event despite record tourism to Japan?
The Osaka Expo and its current situation
Despite aiming for 28.2 million visitors during the event, many inbound tourists remain unaware of the Expo’s dates or content, and enthusiasm appears low. Additionally, the complex reservation system required for attending the Expo poses another barrier, making it harder to attract guests.
The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition is now under pressure to improve communication and ensure that potential visitors are well-informed.
The theme of the Expo is “Designing a Future Society Where Life Shines.” It aims to serve as a “testing ground for future societies,” gathering cutting-edge technologies and wisdom from…