Why Is Expo 2025 Osaka Already in Trouble?

Hello, everyone! Today, let’s talk about something big happening in Japan—Expo 2025 Osaka. It’s a huge event where countries show their ideas and technology. It starts on April 13, 2025, just a few days from now, and runs until October 13. The theme is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” which sounds exciting, right? But here’s the thing: many people, including experts and organizers, are worried it might not go well. Some even predict it could fail before it really begins. Why? Let’s dive in and see what’s going on.

First, let’s look at the construction. Expo 2025 is happening on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay. Countries are building pavilions—special buildings to show their ideas. But the work is moving very slowly. As of March 2025, many pavilions didn’t even have their outside walls finished! Experts say this is a big problem. Imagine inviting friends to your house, but the rooms aren’t ready when they arrive. That’s what’s happening here. Some countries, like Mexico and Estonia, even quit because building costs got too high. With only days left, organizers are rushing, but it might not be enough. Will visitors see half-built pavilions? That doesn’t sound fun.

Next, let’s talk about tickets. The organizers hoped to sell 14 million tickets before the event started. These “advance tickets” help them plan and make money early. But by March 5, 2025, they sold only 8.06 million—just 57.6% of their goal. I don’t have newer numbers since it’s now April 8, but Osaka’s governor, Hirofumi Yoshimura, said last month the target was “impossible.” Most tickets went to companies, not regular people like you and me. Why aren’t people buying? Some say the ticket website is hard to use. Others think the price—up to 7,500 yen (about $50) for one day—is too much. If not enough people come, the expo could lose money, just like Expo 2000 in Germany, which needed government help to pay its bills.

So, why are experts worried? Late construction and low ticket sales are big signs. Organizers expect 28.2 million visitors over six months—that’s about 150,000 people every day. But if pavilions aren’t ready and people aren’t excited, who will show up? A survey last year showed 81% of people in Japan aren’t interested. Even in Osaka, only 38% want to go. That’s not a good start for an event meant to bring the world together.

But let’s think about this: could Expo 2025 still be interesting? It has some cool ideas. Japan wants to show new technology, like flying cars and robots. The Grand Ring, a huge wooden walkway, could be amazing to walk on—if it’s finished. Over 150 countries are joining, so you could see different cultures and inventions in one place. For some, that’s worth a visit. A teenager from Osaka said, “This is my first expo. I want to see it!” Others might go because it’s rare—Japan hasn’t had an expo like this since 2005.

Still, there’s a flip side. Some people wonder if expos matter anymore. With the internet, we can see the world from our phones. Why spend money and time on a crowded event? Plus, costs keep rising. Construction is now 235 billion yen (about $1.5 billion), almost double the first plan. People ask: is it worth it? After the expo, Yumeshima might become a casino resort, which not everyone likes either.

What do you think? Will Expo 2025 Osaka surprise us and succeed, or will it flop like some predict? Organizers are trying hard—adding same-day tickets and teaming up with Universal Studios Japan to bring more visitors. But with late pavilions and quiet ticket sales, it’s a tough challenge. Maybe it’ll be a mix: exciting for some, disappointing for others. I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you been to an expo? Would you visit this one? Let’s chat about it! For now, all we can do is wait and see what happens when the doors open in just a few days.