Masha Bandjur, who hosted people stranded at the Osaka Expo venue at the Portugal Pavilion, is seen in Osaka’s Konohana Ward, Sept. 30, 2025. (Mainichi/Maiko Umeda)
OSAKA — At the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, which concluded on Oct. 13, a subway disruption on the night of Aug. 13 left more than 10,000 visitors stranded overnight around the venue. At the Portugal Pavilion, the gallery was opened for people to rest, and pavilion workers sold beer and soft drinks. This initiative was not directed or requested by the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition but happened entirely at the initiative of the staff. Masha Bandjur, a 30-year-old pavilion employee, spoke with the Mainichi Shimbun about what unfolded that night. Below are excerpts from Bandjur’s comments:
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I worked as a supervisor at the Osaka Expo’s Portugal Pavilion. My role involved communicating the rotation schedule to the 36 staff attendants and identifying operational issues.
Over the past six months, there were many enjoyable events, but there was heavy rain, and rumors of “a great calamity in July” also spread. Our primary concern was the safety of visitors and staff, and we acted accordingly.
‘What if we sold beer?’
Unable to return home due to the subway service suspension, Osaka Expo visitors are seen lying on the lawn in front of the Electric Power Pavilion at around 3:30 a.m. on Aug. 14, 2025, in this photo provided by a woman visiting the venue.
On the night of Aug. 13, subway services were suspended, and many people couldn’t return home. After finishing work shortly after 9 p.m., I was also heading to the exit with colleagues. When the line of people didn’t move for about 40 minutes, I returned to the pavilion. A friend offered to pick me up by car, but I thought there might be something I could help with, so I stayed around.
About 10 office and restaurant staff remained, and someone suggested, “What if we sold beer?” This idea caught on. Social media showed that juice was being distributed at the Korea Pavilion and candy was being given away at the Germany Pavilion.
Many vending machines had run out of beverages, and people were looking for something to drink and places to rest. When we shouted, “We’re selling beer at the Portugal Pavilion,” a long line formed with people saying, “Really?” and “Let’s go.” Our wine and soft drinks sold out.
Inside the restaurant, we made space for people with children to rest. We also opened the gallery. Some people who had looked tired and anxious about when they could go home appeared relieved.
Relax and enjoy
The Portugal Pavilion is seen at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan venue in Osaka’s Konohana Ward, April 14, 2025. (Mainichi/Masashi Mimura)
There were no directives from the Expo association to the pavilion. Our actions might have reflected the spontaneous thinking typical of southern Europeans. If we couldn’t leave the venue, it was like, “Let’s have a party.” We played Portuguese music to create a European atmosphere, and everyone started dancing. Staff from the USA Pavilion joined in, turning it into something like a small festival. The guests’ mood improved, and I felt excited too.
We continued assisting people until around 5 a.m. on Aug. 14, and the guests expressed their gratitude, saying things like, “Thank you so much for reopening.”
I believe such situations are rare experiences for many people, so it’s best to relax and enjoy them.
Loving the honest Osaka
I have loved Japanese anime and idols and have been studying Japanese since I was 15. I first came to Japan in 2019 to do sightseeing in Tokyo. I wanted to relocate, actually, but I gave up due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Masha Bandjur, who hosted people stranded at the Osaka Expo venue at the Portugal Pavilion, is seen in Osaka’s Konohana Ward, Sept. 30, 2025. (Mainichi/Maiko Umeda)
In 2024, I stayed in Osaka. I like Osaka because the food is better and there’s no difference between true feelings and the facade. I was job hunting but because I only had a tourist visa, I couldn’t work. Nevertheless, a Japanese friend I met in Osaka said, “You are very energetic and motivated, so this job suits you,” and introduced me to the Expo job. I saw it as a chance to meet people from all over the world while in Japan, so I obtained a designated activities visa and decided to work.
Looking back on the past six months, whether things were good or bad, I enjoyed everything that happened. I met friendly staff and connected with the world. This experience gave me confidence. I hope to work in Osaka in the future.
(Interview by Mie Omokawa, Osaka City News Department)
Profile:
Masha Bandjur is originally from Serbia. She began studying Japanese at a language school at age 15 and majored in Japanese culture and literature in her college days. She worked as a photojournalist for a Serbian newspaper since 2020.
AloJapan.com