24th May 2025 – (Osaka) Local media coverage in Japan surrounding the Osaka-Kansai Expo often grapples with finding positive narratives, with recent setbacks involving an insect infestation and the cancellation of a national day event. Deputy Secretary General of the Expo Association, Jun TAKASHIM, acknowledged the presence of chironomids in specific areas around the large roof ring and pavilions, particularly near the waterside of the Water Plaza. Efforts are underway to combat this issue by distributing insecticides and applying foaming agents to inhibit insect hatching.
Renowned chironomid expert, Dr. Nao YAMAMOTO, highlighted that these insects, unlike conventional mosquitoes, are non-biting and do not transmit infectious diseases. He anticipates their presence until mid-July, with a potential resurgence in mid-September.
While concerns persist regarding the insect infestation, data from visitor surveys indicate that 80% of attendees expressed satisfaction with their Expo experience. The total visitor count has surpassed 3 million to date.
Proposed strategies to counter the infestation include eliminating stagnant water sources, crucial for insect breeding, and deploying insecticides to curb hatching. Pest control specialist, Hirohide TAKAHASHI, noted the challenges posed by the sudden emergence of chironomid pupae, emphasizing the insects’ short adult lifespan and limited flying capacity, making eradication efforts unfeasible once they emerge.
Local observations suggest that the disappearance of wild birds in the Expo area due to land reclamation has inadvertently removed natural predators, enabling the insects to proliferate unhindered.
Despite the insect-related challenges, positive feedback from visitors remains high, with the majority expressing satisfaction with their Expo visit. However, concerns arise over uneven visitor distribution, with a significant influx through the East Gate, linked directly to Yumeshima Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line, potentially impeding future visitor growth.
On a different note, Nepal’s scheduled “National Day” celebration at the Osaka Expo has been cancelled this year, marking the first instance of a national event cancellation at the Expo. Each participating country or region typically hosts a special event, but financial constraints delaying construction have led to the postponement of Nepal’s National Day, initially set for 31st May, as confirmed by an Osaka Prefecture official.
AloJapan.com