Osaka Expo Opening Ceremony on April 12 — Only 62% of Ticket Sales Target Met; 70% of Japanese Uninterested | WPN World People News

The 2025 World Expo (Osaka Expo) will hold its opening ceremony on the afternoon of April 12 at the Yumeshima venue in Osaka City, including sites like the “Grand Roof.” Attendees will include Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, Expo Honorary President Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and representatives from participating countries.

The theme of the opening ceremony is “Re-Connect: Parade, Echo, Return, Link.” Performances will feature Osaka Expo Ambassador and conductor Yutaka Sado, who will lead the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra. The Expo includes participation from 158 countries and regions, along with 7 international organizations. Running until October 13, it spans 184 days and is expected to attract around 28 million visitors, generating an estimated economic impact of nearly 3 trillion yen (approx. NT$694.5 billion).

The ticket sales goal for this Osaka Expo is 23 million tickets. However, as of now, only 62% of that target has been achieved in presales. Despite advertisements and promotional slogans being visible throughout Osaka, public response has been relatively lukewarm. Polls show that over 70% of Japanese people are not interested in visiting the Expo. Moreover, the event has faced criticism due to frequent reports of construction delays, explosions, and other negative incidents. Rising construction costs have also increased the financial burden on the public, sparking widespread criticism.

It is estimated that in order to cover the 116 billion yen needed for Expo operations, at least 18 million tickets must be sold. On April 10, Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura stated, “We are working toward the goal of selling 18 million tickets, and we hope more people will consider visiting the Expo.”