World Expo in Osaka Bounces Back: Visitor Count Tops 1 Mill. Despite Rocky Start

Osaka, Japan — The 2025 World Exposition in Osaka has made a striking comeback after a shaky start, as the number of visitors topped 1 million on the 13th day of the event, organizers announced Friday. Despite weather setbacks and operational hiccups, approximately 1.02 million people had attended the expo by April 26, just ahead of Japan’s long-awaited Golden Week holiday period beginning April 29.

The milestone marks a turnaround from a challenging launch on April 13, when the Expo opened to crowds, confusion, and construction delays. Due to unfinished preparations, countries like India, Nepal, and three others could not open their pavilions on time. Additionally, telecommunications issues and long wait times further marred the opening weekend, drawing criticism from attendees and fueling doubts about the event’s management.

Heavy rainfall and congestion around the only train link to Yumeshima, the man-made island hosting the Expo, compounded the frustrations. A corporate employee who visited on opening day said, “The reservation process was complicated, and there were hardly any guide signs.”

Yet, within two weeks, the tides appear to be turning.

According to the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, the venue was busiest on April 13, with 124,000 attendees. While the daily count has fallen below 100,000, the total attendance figure suggests a steady climb. Comparatively, when Japan last hosted the Expo in Aichi Prefecture in 2005, it took 17 days to reach 1 million visitors.

However, reaching the overall target of 28 million visitors by the Expo’s close on October 13 remains a steep climb. Organizers estimate that an average of 150,000 visitors daily is necessary to meet that goal. As of April 26, only 9.34 million tickets had been sold, falling short of the 14 million pre-sale target, though daily sales have been increasing, with 180,000 tickets sold on the Friday before Golden Week.

In response, organizers ramp up promotional efforts, stressing that “word of mouth is key.” Aiming to streamline visitor flow, the association has encouraged electronic ticketing with time-slot reservations, though this system struggled under pressure on opening day.

While speaking with the media, Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura, speaking optimistically, said, “If something comes along that people think is ‘awesome,’ it will become a main attraction.” He emphasized that public interest can still surge.

Amid global instability—including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and U.S.-China trade tensions—the Expo also serves a deeper purpose. At the opening ceremony, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba highlighted the importance of global unity: “The world is facing a crisis of division.” He called for “peaceful and sincere exchanges”, a message echoed by several participating nations.

The symbolic value of holding a global gathering in such turbulent times was not lost on officials. “If Russia had been selected [to host], the Expo might not have happened,” a Japanese government official admitted. “The mere act of holding this Expo, with participants from around the world, is meaningful.”

Despite early stumbles, the 2025 Osaka Expo may yet fulfill its vision — as a showcase of innovation and culture and as a platform for global connection and resilience. After five months, eyes remain on Yumeshima to see if the momentum can be sustained.