On April 13, 2025, the Osaka-Kansai Expo officially opened its gates on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka City, marking the beginning of a six-month celebration of innovation and international collaboration. With the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," the event is set to host 158 countries and regions, showcasing advancements in technology and culture.
The day started with excitement as attendees began lining up at the East Gate near Yumeshima Station as early as 8 AM. Though rain was in the forecast, the gates opened at 9 AM to a smooth flow of visitors. However, the weather soon turned, leading to heavy rain and strong winds that created challenges for many. Some attendees expressed frustration over the conditions, with one visitor describing it simply as "cold" and noting the difficulty of staying dry amid the horizontal rain.
Despite the weather, the opening ceremony was a grand affair. Expo Association Chairman Masaru Tonomura declared the event officially open, and a unique performance featuring over 10,000 participants singing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony took place on the "Grand Roof Ring," the world's largest wooden structure. This impressive feat included participants ranging from ages 6 to 93, creating a vibrant atmosphere that resonated throughout the venue.
However, the day was not without its hiccups. Visitors faced intermittent communication failures, making it hard to connect to mobile networks and the internet, particularly at the East Gate. Announcements urged attendees to refrain from using their smartphones for video streaming to alleviate congestion at the entrance. A security guard at the venue expressed his frustration, stating, "We’re constantly receiving requests and have no time to rest." This congestion was compounded by the requirement for visitors to display a QR code for entry, leading to long lines as people waited to enter.
As the day progressed, the weather worsened, causing many to seek shelter. The East Gate area saw long queues as attendees waited to enter, while others struggled to navigate the wet conditions. Reports indicated that over 140,000 visitors had made reservations for the opening day, a promising turnout despite the adverse weather conditions.
Some pavilions, particularly those from overseas, faced challenges as not all were ready to open, raising questions about the Expo Association's goal of creating a "no-wait" experience for visitors. The Ukraine pavilion, themed "Not For Sale," highlighted the country's values of human dignity and freedom of expression, while other pavilions showcased cutting-edge technology, including a moving miniature heart made from iPS cells and demonstrations of flying cars, although the latter's demonstration was canceled due to the weather.
As visitors explored the venue, many expressed their excitement about the various exhibits. A 9-year-old boy remarked, "It was really fun to imagine what the future might look like," after visiting a pavilion focused on future social issues. Another visitor, a 70-year-old woman, noted the difficulty of securing same-day reservations for pavilions, stating, "I thought it would be easier to get in, but everywhere had long lines."
In the midst of the day's activities, a report of smoke inside the venue caused a brief panic, leading to the dispatch of emergency services. Fortunately, no fire or smoke was confirmed, and the situation was quickly resolved.
The Expo is set to run until October 13, 2025, and each participating country will have a designated "National Day" to showcase its culture and traditions. The event aims to foster international dialogue and collaboration, especially in light of ongoing global challenges.
As the day concluded, attendees began to leave the venue. The area surrounding Yumeshima Station remained crowded, with long queues forming as people sought to return home. One visitor from Kagoshima expressed her surprise at the chaotic situation, stating, "I didn't expect the station to be this crowded. I hope they can manage the flow of people better next time."
Overall, the opening day of the Osaka-Kansai Expo showcased both the potential for innovation and the challenges of managing such a large-scale event. As the days unfold, the Expo will continue to highlight the importance of global cooperation in addressing pressing social issues.
