Japanese Leader Aims to Bridge Global Divides at Upcoming Osaka Expo: A Vision for Unity

OSAKA, Japan (AP) — At the opening ceremony for Expo 2025, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba shared his hopes for global unity amidst the world’s conflicts. “After overcoming COVID-19, we face new divisions,” he noted. He believes this event offers a chance for people worldwide to connect, share ideas, and experience cutting-edge technology and culture.

The expo officially begins Sunday, running on the theme of life, world, and the future. Japan aimed to foster unity and showcase a vision for society moving forward. However, recent threats of tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump add to the uncertainty, compounded by ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

The expo features the “Grand Ring,” a stunning wooden structure that symbolizes unity. Standing at 20 meters (65 feet) tall and stretching 2 kilometers (1.2 miles), it’s the largest wooden architectural marvel in the world. The event takes place on Yumeshima, an island reclaimed from industrial waste, and will host around 180 countries with about 80 uniquely designed pavilions.

This marks Osaka’s second World Expo, the first held in 1970, which attracted a staggering 64 million visitors. However, this year, Japan has faced challenges like soaring construction costs and dwindling public interest. The costs have nearly doubled to about 235 billion yen ($1.64 billion), raising concerns about how tax money is spent, with around 14% going to the Grand Ring alone.

Construction delays impacted several pavilions. For instance, those from Nepal and India were not ready by the opening. Political conflicts also affected arrangements for Ukraine and the Palestinians, and Russia opted not to participate.

Ticket sales have been slower than anticipated. Only 9 million advance tickets have been sold, falling short of the 14 million target. Organizers hope to attract over 28 million visitors by the end of the expo.

Emperor Naruhito, reflecting on his childhood visit to the 1970 expo, expressed hopes for a successful event. He warmly remembered seeing the latest technology, including a wireless phone and a moon rock brought back by the Apollo 12 mission. Naruhito hopes children attending this expo will learn about the world and consider a sustainable future.

In a world where collaboration is needed more than ever, events like the Expo aim to bridge gaps and inspire a hopeful vision for society.

For more insights on global events and their implications, you can check the latest report from AP News.

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