The shocking news that the “2025 Japan International Exposition (Osaka-Kansai Expo)” scheduled to be held in Osaka-Kansai in 2025 is in danger of being cancelled has come to light.
It turns out that the construction of pavilions by participating countries is significantly delayed, and there is growing anxiety about whether the expo can open as planned.
The main cause is said to be the soaring construction costs, and the lack of contractors who can undertake the work within the budget.
The shortage of manpower and materials is also a serious problem, and the simple pavilion construction proposed by the Expo Association is not well received by the participating countries.
The government is strengthening the structure of the Expo Association and showing its attitude to prepare for the expo under the government’s leadership, but political conflicts and delays in coordination are also obstacles.
The holding of the expo is an international commitment, and the consent of the Bureau International des Expositions is required for any changes.¹ If the situation becomes such that the opening has to be postponed, Japan’s international credibility could be damaged.
The Osaka-Kansai Expo, which has the theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, aims to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the realization of Japan’s national strategy Society5.0.
However, some voices also point out that the lack of clarity on the concrete vision and strategy for achieving this is also inviting the critical situation of the expo.
In addition, the impact of the Noto Peninsula earthquake that occurred on New Year’s Day cannot be ignored.
This earthquake hit the Noto Peninsula with a strong tremor of seismic intensity 7, killing more than 200 people and leaving more than 50 people unaccounted for in Ishikawa Prefecture.
In the affected areas, many houses collapsed and roads were cut off by landslides and other causes. Water, electricity and mobile phones became unusable, and many people were forced to live in harsh conditions in shelters or cars.
The Noto Peninsula earthquake also affects the Osaka-Kansai region, where the expo is to be held.
The earthquake has made it difficult to transport the materials and personnel needed for the preparation of the expo.
Moreover, it is expected that a large amount of money will be spent on the support and reconstruction for the earthquake damage, which may also affect the budget of the expo.
The expo is not only a place to have fun and mingle, but also a place to face the world’s challenges seriously.
But is Japan unable to cope with its own challenges, and is it being looked at with doubt by the world?
How will Japan respond to the holding of the expo?
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