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Why World Expo 2025 in Osaka has the city so excited

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Why World Expo 2025 in Osaka has the city so excited

Visitors to Tokyo and Kyoto might not realise it, but Osaka – one of Japan’s biggest and oldest cities, known more as a business hub than a tourist destination – is gearing up to host next year’s World Expo.

The city has been plastered with the expo’s red-and-blue “Myaku-Myaku” mascot for months and is abuzz with preparations. For many in the city, the excitement is mixed with nostalgia for the last World Expo hosted by Japan, held in Suita, a city just north of Osaka, back in 1970.

There are doubters, especially outside Osaka. Construction costs are turning out to be exponentially higher than expected. Preparations have been marred by political and business infighting. And many Japanese, jaded after Tokyo’s difficult experience hosting the Olympics during the Covid-19 pandemic, question whether the idea of a World Expo is still relevant.

But in Osaka, many older residents say such events are more necessary than ever.

The World Expo 2025’s “Grand Ring” under construction in Osaka. Photo: AP
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