An 83-year-old man was arrested for allegedly stealing honey produced in Kyrgyzstan at the Osaka-Kansai Expo pavilion on April 16, 2025. The incident marks the first arrest at the Expo site, which showcases contributions from 29 countries.
The man, who resides in Tomita-bayashi City, was apprehended by security guards around 1:30 PM while attempting to leave the pavilion with a bottle of honey valued at 6,800 yen. According to the Osaka Prefectural Police, the suspect admitted to the theft, stating, "There is no mistake that I stole it." He reportedly believed that the honey was a sample and thought it was acceptable to take it home.
The Kyrgyzstan representative at the Expo commented on the incident, saying, "Tasting is possible, but please do not take it home." This statement highlights the intention behind the display, which was meant for sampling rather than for personal consumption.
According to police reports, the honey was part of a display at the Kyrgyzstan booth located in the Commons A pavilion, a shared space for various participating countries. The honey, which is sold online in Japan for 6,800 yen for a 200-gram jar, was intended to showcase Kyrgyzstan's culinary offerings.
Security personnel from the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition noticed the elderly man behaving suspiciously. They observed him placing the honey bottle into his bag before attempting to exit the pavilion. Upon being confronted, the man was taken into custody without incident.
While the police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the theft, they noted that the suspect was also carrying several other items believed to be imported from overseas. Authorities are looking into how he obtained these additional goods.
This peculiar incident raises questions about the security measures in place at the Expo, which is expected to attract millions of visitors from around the globe. The event aims to promote international cooperation and cultural exchange, but thefts like this one could overshadow its positive intentions.
The Osaka-Kansai Expo is designed to showcase innovations and cultural heritage from various nations, with a focus on sustainability and technology. As the event progresses, organizers are likely to review security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In the wake of the arrest, many attendees expressed surprise and concern. Some visitors mentioned that they had seen the honey on display and were unaware that it was not meant to be taken home. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication regarding exhibition items.
As the Expo continues, it will be interesting to see how organizers respond to this theft and what measures they implement to ensure the safety of exhibits and the integrity of the event. The focus remains on fostering a spirit of cooperation and understanding among nations, even as challenges arise.
Overall, the arrest of the 83-year-old man for stealing honey at the Osaka-Kansai Expo has drawn attention to the event's security and the responsibilities of both exhibitors and attendees. As the Expo unfolds, it will be essential to maintain a balance between showcasing cultural artifacts and ensuring that participants adhere to the rules set forth by the organizers.
