Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai officially opened on April 13 at Yumeshima, Osaka. Themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” the event spans 183 days, with participation from around 160 countries, regions, and international organizations.

However, the first day was marked by disorganization. AD press passes were delayed due to mixed communications during the application phase. Although the Expo emphasizes digital transformation—being cashless and paperless with smartphone use required—official online information proved insufficient.

Even journalists based in Osaka struggled to navigate the venue, raising questions about accessibility for foreign media or freelance creators who primarily operate on social media. The resulting media coverage focused heavily on problems rather than unity, creating a divide in public sentiment.

Expo’s Infrastructure and Information Access Under Scrutiny

Visitors attempted to find event schedules and food listings on the official website, only to discover that much of the information was locked inside PDF files, far from user-friendly. The lack of comprehensive real-time updates via digital platforms exposed a gap between the Expo’s stated goals and its practical execution.

Extreme weather, crowd congestion at Yumeshima Station, and long entry lines added to the stress. As more than 100,000 people gathered, it became clear that analog support—like traditional announcements and printed guides—remained necessary in large-scale global events.

Source : ORICON NEWS