Before the opening, ticket sales were lower than expected, but positive media reviews, especially of certain pavilions, such as the Saudi Arabian and American pavilions, have made the event popular.
Arab News Japan
TOKYO: Ticket sales for the Osaka-Kansai Expo have exceeded 18 million, according to the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, with local media saying this marks the break-even point for the Expo’s operating costs.
The Expo is aiming to sell at least 23 million tickets, with weekly sales amounting to around 400,000 to 500,000 tickets since the opening on April 13.
Before the opening, ticket sales were lower than expected, but positive media reviews, especially of certain pavilions, such as the Saudi Arabian and American pavilions, have made the event popular.
The operation cost of the Expo is estimated at 116 billion yen ($777 million), with 96.9 billion yen ($650 million) expected to be covered by admission fees. However, a Japanese government official warned that if the venue is closed due to poor weather, losses could reach 600 million yen ($4 million) per day.
This week’s theme at the Expo is “Peace, Human Security and Dignity” and a number of forums were held to discuss the topics.
The “Respect & Protection of Human Rights” event saw speakers from the arts, civil society and the United Nations discussing the critical role of respecting and protecting human rights to the maintenance of peace and security, particularly in the context of armed conflict.
The keynote address was made by KANAMOTO Hiroshi, President of Nihon Hidankyo, the atomic bomb survivors’ group that won the Nobel Peace Prize last year.
“Peace-building and Realization” considered peace, security and human rights in the light of sustainability by looking at individual behavior, collective actions and normative thinking.
The session titled “Rectification of labor market inequality” explored how labor issues should be addressed from both a growth and a human rights perspective. The session explored labor-related challenges through various lenses, including corporate perspectives, business and human rights, poverty and well-being, and the experiences of young people.
One of its focuses was human rights within global supply chains.
On a lighter note, visitors could experience Japanese Culture Theme Week with events that celebrate Japan’s rich cultural heritage, including the Japan Ninja Festival; the World of Bunraku, Japan’s traditional puppet theater; and Kyogen, a classical Japanese comedic theater, traditionally performed as a humorous interlude between solemn Noh plays.
AloJapan.com