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

Typhoon Nos. 28 and 29 Bring High-Wave Risk to Pacific Coast

Typhoon Nos. 28 and 29 are expected to remain well away from Japan, but waves of 3 to 4 meters could reach parts of the country's Pacific coast from around October 10, with Typhoon No. 28 moving west near Minamitorishima at about 40 kilometers per hour as of 6 a.m. on October 8.

Tokyo University Professor Wins Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Tokyo University of Science professor emeritus Kenzo Soai has been awarded this year's Nobel Prize in Chemistry together with French chemist Henri B. Kagan for discoveries that transformed scientists' understanding of how chemical reactions can favor one of two mirror-image forms of a molecule.

US Military Halts All Okinawa Operations for 48 Hours

The US military suspended activities by all forces stationed in Okinawa for 48 hours from noon on October 7, an unusual measure following the arrest of a US Marine in connection with a robbery and murder case that has renewed scrutiny of crimes involving American service members.

Qilin Hacker Detained in Japan

A core member of the international ransomware group Qilin was detained in Japan and handed over to German authorities, according to people familiar with the case, as Japanese companies and institutions face a growing wave of cyberattacks that has exposed nearly 15 million pieces of personal information this month alone.

Year of the Sheep Postcards Arrive in Hokkaido

New Year postcards for 2027 arrived at post offices across Hokkaido on October 6, with designs featuring sheep for the upcoming Year of the Sheep as Japan's traditional New Year card market continues to shrink.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Monkeys Hit Popular Hot Spring Resort

A man in his 40s was injured after being attacked by a troop of wild monkeys in Yugawara, a popular hot spring resort town in Kanagawa Prefecture, on September 17, marking the area's first reported case of a person being bitten by a monkey and prompting authorities to strengthen monitoring of the animals using GPS tracking devices.

Tokyo Ward Expands Short-Term Rental Restrictions

Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward will expand restrictions on private lodging businesses across the entire ward from January 2027 after the ward assembly approved an ordinance amendment on October 7 aimed at tightening controls on minpaku short-term rentals.

Acorn Shortage Raises Fear of Bear Attacks

Bears are becoming increasingly active across Japan ahead of winter, with poor acorn harvests in parts of the country raising concerns that hungry animals may venture closer to homes and tourist areas in search of food.

JAL Unveils Revamped Domestic Lounge at Haneda Airport

Japan Airlines has revamped its domestic lounge at Tokyo's Haneda Airport, adding private workspaces, meal options timed to passengers' departures and facilities for families as it seeks to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse range of travelers.

Fans Gather at Furano Filming Locations After Screenwriter's Death

Fans from across Japan gathered in Furano, Hokkaido, on October 3 to visit filming locations from the television drama "From the Northern Country," marking the first weekend since the death of the series' screenwriter, So Kuramoto.

200-Year-Old Horse Festival Begins

Young men leaped onto horses racing at full speed through the grounds of Kasuga Shrine in Takahama, Aichi Prefecture, on October 3 as the city's traditional Takahama Omanto Festival got underway.

38,000 Dolls Farewelled at Tokyo Shrine

Around 38,000 dolls, including traditional Japanese dolls and stuffed animals, were brought to Meiji Shrine in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward for the annual Doll Appreciation Festival, where visitors bid farewell to old and damaged dolls in a ceremony expressing gratitude for the years they had been cherished.

A Year After Osaka Expo, a Peaceful Forest Remains

Nearly one year after the Osaka-Kansai Expo closed, the former exhibition grounds were opened to the media on October 2, revealing that around 90% of the pavilions and other facilities have been demolished, while the Forest of Tranquility remains a peaceful green space at the center of the site.

< 2 3 4 5 >