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TOKYO: The Deputy Secretary General of the Japan Association for the Osaka-Kansai Expo says the 2030 Expo in ����ֱ�� is expected to be “quite different” as it is planned to be four times the size of this year’s Expo in Japan.

“The ����ֱ�� Expo is set to be a monumental event,” Jun Takashina announced during a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan on Friday. He revealed that the event in Riyadh is projected to draw a staggering 40 million visitors, in a venue four times the size of Osaka’s.

“How we can support their effort depends on what ����ֱ�� wants,” he said. “We can talk about our operational experience, and all the pros and cons of that will be handed over to them so that something better can be put together.”

Takashina said everything in Osaka was analyzed using AI, and the results were then implemented accordingly, which could help the Saudi organizers, along with the results from the reservation system. “We have engaged with ����ֱ��n government officials based on their requests and requirements to exchange information and views. Expos may vary according to the hosting country, the venue and environment, but we would like to hand over our know-how and insights that we’ve gained during Expo 2025.”

The Osaka Expo ran for 184 days with the participation of 158 countries and regions, attracting more than 29 million visitors, including a record 47 monarchs, presidents, and prime ministers.

“It was an opportunity to engage in diplomacy with international VIPs and business activities as well,” Takashina said.

Takashina emphasized the “successful management” of the Expo’s financial and operational challenges. He reassured the audience that the organizers met three key objectives: avoiding major accidents, maintaining a balanced budget, and achieving the maximum number of visitors.

They accomplished this by being adaptable in the face of issues such as long lines for entry and at various pavilions, transportation problems, and the summer heat.

Additionally, they actively listened to visitor feedback and engaged with attendees on social media.

Some journalists contended that Takashina’s claims of generating an operating profit did not consider the substantial construction costs of the EXPO, which were funded by both local and national governments. However, Takashina clarified, “Construction costs and operational expenses are accounted for separately.”

When journalists raised concerns about contractors who had filed lawsuits for unpaid construction of foreign pavilions, Takashina said, “Our association, along with the local government, Osaka Prefecture, and the city, is aligned in addressing unpaid construction costs. However, we are not parties to the contracts, and it would be inappropriate for us to intervene or pay part of the expenses on behalf of others. Our organization lacks the legal authority to do so, which limits our options.”

Takashina also mentioned one of the Expo’s highlights was the merchandise sales, particularly of the Expo mascot, Myaku-Myaku.

“Some people initially found Myaku-Myaku to be unsettling,” he admitted. “However, over time, it gained popularity and is now a well-liked item, with new licensed merchandise still being sold.”

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