As the Osaka-Kansai Expo continues to attract attention, the number of visitors on May 8, 2025, reached an impressive 102,000, with 83,000 general attendees and 19,000 personnel. This surge in attendance coincided with a visit from Princess Aiko, the eldest daughter of the Emperor and Empress, who toured the expo on this day, marking a significant moment for the event.
Despite it being a weekday, the presence of Princess Aiko helped boost visitor numbers to the ten-thousand mark for the first time in three days. The expo's organizing committee noted that one individual had to be taken to the hospital due to suspected heatstroke, but later clarified that it was not heatstroke.
In April alone, the visitor numbers fluctuated, with notable highs and lows. For instance, on April 13, the expo welcomed 146,426 visitors, while the lowest count on April 15 saw just 63,719 attendees. The month ended with a total of 101,397 visitors on April 30, showcasing the expo's growing popularity.
The beginning of May saw a continuation of this trend, with May 1 recording 105,945 visitors and May 4 peaking at 131,000. However, attendance dipped again on May 6, with only 74,000 visitors. The numbers bounced back on May 7 and May 8, culminating in the latest count of 102,000.
On May 9, 2025, Princess Aiko continued her visit, exploring the EXPO Arena and the Singapore Pavilion. At the EXPO Arena, she viewed approximately 40 floats from various municipalities in Osaka, which were showcased as part of the "Osaka Week" event. Governor Yoshimura provided insights about the floats, to which Princess Aiko responded, "It was impressive to see them in person." Her engagement with attendees was warm, as she smiled and waved back at the crowd.
At the Singapore Pavilion, Princess Aiko watched a video that illustrated the city's dreams and participated in an interactive attraction where visitors were invited to write their own aspirations. She penned the words "World Peace," which were projected onto the dome-shaped ceiling, eliciting a smile as she looked up at her message.
Princess Aiko's visit to the expo began on May 8, 2025, when she arrived at Itami Airport shortly after 11 AM. She was welcomed by Governor Yoshimura, expressing her excitement, saying, "I was looking forward to it. I look forward to the next two days." By 2 PM, she arrived at the expo site on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay.
Her first stop was the Japan Pavilion, where she observed a massive installation known as the Photobioreactor, designed to cultivate algae that absorb light energy. Following this, she ascended the Skywalk at the Grand Roof Ring, responding to the cheers of onlookers with a friendly wave.
During her tour, a representative mentioned that Princess Aiko commented on her mother's experience at the Skywalk, saying, "My mother said it felt longer than the 2 kilometers it is, and I felt the same way." This personal touch highlighted her connection to the event and her family's legacy.
Additionally, at the pavilion organized by the Federation of Electric Power Companies, she engaged with an interactive exhibit where visitors wore egg-shaped devices around their necks to experience nuclear fusion principles in a game format. This innovative approach to education at the expo has been well-received by attendees.
Later, Princess Aiko visited the pavilion organized by the Japanese Red Cross Society, where her mother, Empress Masako, serves as honorary president. Here, she watched impactful images related to natural disasters and conflicts, emphasizing the humanitarian aspect of the expo.
As the expo progresses, it continues to draw significant public interest, especially with royal involvement. The presence of Princess Aiko not only elevates the event's profile but also engages a wider audience, showcasing Japan's commitment to innovation and international cooperation.
The Osaka-Kansai Expo is more than just a showcase of technology and culture; it reflects the spirit of unity and peace that Princess Aiko embodies. Her active participation and genuine interest in the exhibits resonate with visitors, making the expo a memorable experience for all.
As the days of the expo unfold, the anticipation for future events remains high, with many looking forward to what more the Osaka-Kansai Expo has to offer. The combination of cultural displays, technological innovations, and royal engagement promises to keep visitors returning for more, ensuring that the expo is a resounding success.
