Osaka Expo 2025 Attracts Over 100,000 Visitors on Opening Day
The Osaka World Expo opened to a buzzing crowd of around 119,000 visitors on its first day, despite the rainy weather and limited entry without prior registration. The expo, set to run for six months on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, is expected to host representatives from 158 countries and regions, with a projected 28.2 million visitors in total.
One of the main attractions was the demonstration flight of the manned “flying car” Hexa, which garnered applause as it reached an altitude of about 10 meters and flew for seven minutes. This event had to be rescheduled from Sunday due to bad weather conditions.
However, rising hotel prices and a shortage of rooms near the expo site are causing concerns about attracting more visitors and the impact of overtourism on the local area. Most new hotels in the vicinity cater to high-end travelers, further straining supply and demand.
Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako graced the opening ceremony with their presence, visiting key attractions like the Grand Ring, the Japan Pavilion, and the Osaka Health Pavilion. Crown Prince Akishino, Princess Kiko, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also attended the ceremony, highlighting the significance of the event.
As the expo continues to unfold over the coming months, organizers are hopeful for a successful event despite the challenges posed by the current tourism climate.
