Expo 2025 Osaka welcomes one million visitors since opening
In 11 days’ time
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai has reached a significant milestone, drawing over one million visitors just 11 days after opening its doors. The achievement was reached on April 23, 2025, signalling strong momentum for the six-month event, which is expected to attract more than 28 million people.
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai runs from April 13 to October 13, 2025.
The milestone was marked with a commemorative event on-site, attended by Hiroyuki Ishige, Secretary General of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition.
Addressing the crowd, Ishige described the expo as a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity, especially timely as Japan approaches its popular Golden Week holiday season. With domestic travel expected to surge, the expo is positioning itself as a top destination for locals and international tourists.
The early turnout has surpassed expectations and is ahead of the pace set by Japan’s previous World Expo in Aichi Prefecture in 2005. It took 17 days for the event to reach one million attendees. In contrast, the Osaka Expo has accomplished the feat nearly a week faster, suggesting high public interest and improved accessibility to the site on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay.
Curious visitors
Visitors have cited curiosity, cultural interest, and family outings for attending the event. Among them was 37-year-old Makoto Miyamori, who came with his family and spoke briefly at the celebration. “It is great to be here. I am interested in the US and Nordic pavilions,” he said, reflecting a common theme among attendees drawn to the diverse international displays.
Over 150 countries and regions are participating in Expo 2025, showcasing a wide range of technological, environmental, and cultural exhibits under the overarching theme of “Designing a Future Society for Our Lives.”
Many pavilions utilise immersive experiences, cutting-edge technology, and interactive art to engage visitors in discussions about sustainability, innovation, and global cooperation.
The expo grounds have been praised for their accessibility and layout, which makes it easy for guests to navigate between zones. Smart mobility options and digital ticketing have also helped streamline the experience, especially for families and elderly visitors. Food vendors, cultural performances, and daily parades have added to the festive atmosphere, making the venue more than just a place for exhibitions but a fully immersive cultural event.
While organisers had initially anticipated a gradual increase in footfall, the early spike is attributed to pent-up travel demand, effective promotional campaigns and widespread media coverage. The timing also aligns with Japan’s easing of travel restrictions, which has seen a noticeable uptick in international arrivals since the start of the year.
Preparations for the expo were not without challenges. The construction of key infrastructure on Yumeshima faced delays due to supply chain disruptions and pandemic-related setbacks. However, final touches were completed just in time, and early reviews suggest the efforts have paid off.
Business is up
Local businesses in Osaka are also beginning to feel the impact. Hotels, restaurants and transportation services report increased bookings and foot traffic, offering a much-needed economic boost to the region. According to local officials, the expo could generate trillions of yen in economic benefits and create thousands of temporary jobs.
The enthusiasm surrounding Expo 2025 reflects a broader desire for global reconnection after years of social distancing and travel restrictions. Visitors have commented on the sense of hope and possibility that permeates the event, particularly in exhibits focused on future technologies, health, and planetary well-being.
With Golden Week beginning at the end of April, officials are bracing for even higher attendance figures. Measures are being implemented to ensure crowd control, safety, and efficient movement within the venue. Additional shuttle buses, signage in multiple languages, and extended operating hours are among the adjustments to accommodate larger crowds.
Looking ahead, organisers are planning a series of special events to maintain momentum and draw repeat visitors. These include themed cultural nights, high-profile performances, and rotating exhibitions from key international partners. The goal is to educate, entertain, and foster long-term collaborations that could extend well beyond the expo.
As Japan positions Expo 2025 as a showcase for global innovation and unity, the early success suggests that it may well achieve its ambitious goals. The event runs through October 13, leaving plenty of time for millions more to participate in what many are already calling one of the most engaging world expos.
For those still considering a visit, now may be the perfect time to join the celebration and witness firsthand how the world is imagining its future, right in the heart of Osaka.
Hero image: A drone swarm constitutes the Expo 2025 mascot over Osaka City. Credit: Expo 2025
