On April 19, 2025, Japan experienced a significant earthquake measuring 5 on the Richter scale, striking the Ishikawa Prefecture at precisely 20:19 local time, which corresponds to 18:19 in Thailand. The earthquake's epicenter was located at a depth of 10 kilometers, and its tremors were felt across a wide area, prompting immediate concern among residents.
Following the initial quake, over 30 aftershocks were recorded, ranging in magnitude from 1 to 4. Fortunately, despite the intensity of the seismic activity, no tsunami warnings were issued, and there were no immediate reports of serious injuries or structural damage.
This earthquake comes at a time when Japan is witnessing a surge in tourism. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the first three months of 2025 saw a remarkable influx of international visitors, with over 10.5 million travelers entering the country. Among these, Thai tourists accounted for approximately 361,800 individuals, marking an 11.7% increase compared to the same period last year.
Thailand ranked as the sixth-largest source of foreign visitors to Japan, following countries like South Korea, China, and the United States. The JNTO also noted that in March alone, 148,200 Thai tourists visited Japan, reflecting a growth of 12.5% from the previous year.
The overall number of international tourists visiting Japan during the first quarter of 2025 rose by 23.1% from the previous year, a clear indication of the country's recovering tourism sector. The top ten markets for international tourists included South Korea, China, Taiwan, the United States, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam, with China showing the most significant growth at 78.1%.
Meanwhile, the Thailand Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka has officially commenced construction as of April 19, 2025. The pavilion, which has a budget of 900 million baht, aims to showcase Thailand's culture and innovations under the Expo's theme, "Future Society for Our Lives." However, early reviews of the pavilion's design and content have been mixed.
Dr. Anchalin Phrattananipha, the Director of Corporate Communications at Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, expressed her disappointment after visiting the pavilion. She noted that while the architectural design was visually appealing, the content presented did not align with the Expo's overarching theme. Instead of focusing on future-oriented innovations, the pavilion leaned heavily on Thailand's past, emphasizing nature, food, and health.
"Many visitors echoed my sentiments, questioning the relevance of the content to the Expo's theme," Dr. Phrattananipha stated. She suggested that the organizing bodies should consider making adjustments, even temporarily closing the pavilion to enhance its content, storytelling, and overall presentation. "Investing in creating a memorable experience for visitors could significantly improve Thailand's image on the global stage," she added.
In support of this view, Kreingkrai Kanjanapokin, founder and CEO of Index Creative Village Public Company Limited, clarified that his company was not involved in the Thailand Pavilion's design or execution. He emphasized the importance of a strategic approach to branding at such a significant event. "Creating a powerful impact isn't just about aesthetic appeal; it requires a comprehensive strategy that resonates with diverse audiences and communicates a country's unique identity effectively," he remarked.
Kanjanapokin also highlighted that the pavilion should aim to deliver an engaging experience that aligns with global trends and inspires visitors. He believes that with careful planning and heartfelt execution, the Thailand Pavilion can become a powerful representation of the nation on the world stage, rather than just a visually attractive structure.
The construction of the Thailand Pavilion is expected to continue for the next five to six months, with hopes of completion by the end of 2025. As the Expo progresses, the organizers are urged to take note of visitor feedback and make necessary adjustments to ensure that the pavilion meets the expectations of both local and international audiences.
As Japan continues to recover from the recent earthquake, the tourism sector remains a crucial element of the country's economy. The influx of international tourists, including those from Thailand, illustrates the resilience of Japan's travel industry. With events like the World Expo 2025, Japan is poised to showcase its rich culture and innovations, despite the challenges posed by natural disasters.
In conclusion, while the earthquake has raised concerns, it has not dampened the spirit of tourism and international collaboration that events like the World Expo represent. The Thailand Pavilion, with its ambitious goals, has the potential to leave a lasting impression if it adapts to the feedback and expectations of its audience.
