World Spotlight on Osaka as Expo Opens After Half a Century

Apr 13, 2025 | News On Japan

OSAKA - For the first time in 55 years, a World Expo has returned to Osaka, opening its doors to the public on Sunday under the theme 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives.'

Spanning 184 days, the Osaka-Kansai Expo will run through October 13th on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay, bringing together 158 participating countries and regions. The event aims to present a vision for the future amid growing global divisions, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and human well-being.

Pavilions from around the world are showcasing the latest in technology, healthcare, and environmental solutions, while also highlighting their distinct cultural traditions. The Japan Pavilion, one of the most anticipated attractions, is expected to draw long queues, with many visitors eager to secure advance reservations.

An estimated 140,000 people visited the site on opening day, filling the venue with a festive atmosphere. Visitors were seen exploring exhibitions, taking part in interactive experiences, and enjoying performances across the sprawling Expo grounds.

Source: Television OSAKA NEWS

Tokyo Metro Unveils New Headquarters

Tokyo Metro has unveiled its new headquarters ahead of a full relocation at the end of August, featuring an open office design filled with route symbols, station names and other elements inspired by the subway network.

Tokyo to Resume Black Bear Hunting

Tokyo is preparing to allow hunting of Asian black bears for the first time in about 20 years, with a proposed hunting season from November through February and an annual capture target of around 34 animals in parts of the Tama region, including Hachioji.

Typhoon No. 18 Moves North-West Toward Japan

Typhoon No. 18 (Soudelor) formed near the Truk Islands on August 19 and is forecast to strengthen as it gradually turns northwest, potentially approaching the Ogasawara Islands before moving toward Okinawa or the Pacific coast of western Japan.

Moss-Covered Healing Forest Draws Visitors

After 10 p.m., the clouds that had covered the sky above Shirakoma Pond gradually began to clear, revealing countless stars and the Milky Way rising vividly over the mountain lake in Nagano Prefecture's Northern Yatsugatake range.

Fire Breaks Out at Sairinji Temple in Saga

A fire broke out at Sairinji temple in Saga city on the morning of August 18, engulfing the building in flames and prompting the dispatch of 10 fire engines and two ambulances, with no injuries reported so far.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Free-Spirited Dolphin Yuki Goes Viral

A playful young dolphin named Yuki at Kagoshima City Aquarium has become a social media sensation after videos showed her freely sliding along the poolside, spinning around and plunging back into the water while other dolphins followed their usual routines.

ANA Faces Backlash Over New Domestic Fare System

All Nippon Airways has come under criticism over a new three-tier domestic fare system introduced from May 19, with complaints over seat assignments and reports that some passengers booked on the cheapest fares were unable to board their scheduled flights, prompting ANA to consider changes as it seeks to improve the profitability of a domestic network where about 60% of routes are in the red.

Nagoya Castle Elevator Dispute Continues

Nagoya City has begun individual consultations with disability advocacy groups over accessibility plans for the proposed wooden reconstruction of Nagoya Castle's main tower, as the two sides remain divided over how people with disabilities should be able to move between floors.