How Osaka Expo Navigates Japan’s Scorching Summer: Insights and Challenges of Hosting Events

Osaka Expo: Navigating Extreme Heat

The Osaka Expo is buzzing with energy, but it’s hard not to notice the changes as summer temperatures soar. Tents have popped up near the French and American pavilions, offering shade for visitors waiting in line. Mist fans and air-conditioned buses have become popular as people seek relief from the intense heat.

The expo’s theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” faces a significant challenge: adapting to the current climate crisis. With record-high temperatures affecting Japan, keeping guests safe has been a top priority. Hiroyuki Ishige, the Expo Secretary-General, highlighted the need to prevent heat-related incidents.

So far, organizers have managed to keep heatstroke cases at bay, reporting just 30 suspected cases in July. That’s a small number compared to past events, suggesting officials are taking the risks seriously.

Nearby, Universal Studios Japan has added water features to its attractions to help cool guests. Tokyo Disneyland also made changes, increasing the splash effect of its rides to provide a refreshing experience.

Despite these efforts, the expo’s immense popularity—over 15 million visitors since it opened—means the challenge remains significant. These events draw crowds, increasing the chances of heat-related issues. “It’s hard to spot who might be at risk,” says Yuri Hosokawa, a sport sciences professor at Waseda University. She emphasizes that everyone could be vulnerable.

Organizers were proactive. By early summer, they set up 300 large umbrellas for shade and distributed parasols at the crowded East Gate. Innovative solutions like a rest area created by cooling technology demonstrate their commitment to visitor comfort. This area relies on ice generated overnight, using solar power for cooling.

As summer highs often reach over 35 degrees Celsius, this investment is crucial. Visitors, like German tourist Paul Abraham, appreciate the efforts but wish for even more shaded areas.

Heat-related health risks are becoming increasingly urgent in Japan. Last year, severe heat caused nearly 100,000 emergency medical transports and over 2,000 deaths. This marks a significant increase from 2015, when only 489 deaths were reported. Hosokawa warns, “No one is immune from heat stress.” The perception that only the very young or old are at risk can lead to underestimating the danger.

Learning from past incidents, the Environment Ministry created guidelines for outdoor events that include crowd management and visible staff to assist those in distress. The Osaka Expo has incorporated five more nurses to monitor and treat guests, ensuring they can respond quickly to any incidents.

While organizers have taken significant precautions, the reality of relentless heat means some challenges are unavoidable. “When temperatures soar, even resting can be risky,” Hosokawa explains. People often push their limits to enjoy the event, making it crucial to provide ample breaks and hydration stations.

Looking ahead, the future of summer events could change dramatically if extreme heat continues to rise. Ishige acknowledges the importance of monitoring the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, which assesses the risk of heat stress. Already, some summer events like the National High School Baseball Championship have altered their schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

As climate change progresses, experts like Hosokawa fear some traditional summer activities may need to be reconsidered altogether. “If we continue experiencing extreme heat, it will force us to rethink outdoor events.”

The Osaka Expo offers a glimpse into how society can adapt, but it also highlights a larger issue: as our climate changes, we must prepare for a future where enjoying summer gatherings may not look the same.

For more insights on climate-related health issues, check out this article by The Japan Times.

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2025 Osaka Expo, climate change, heat waves, health, Osaka