Sat Sep 14 08:35:57 UTC 2024: ## Osaka Gears Up for 2025 World Expo Amidst Nostalgia and Doubts

**OSAKA, JAPAN** – As Tokyo and Kyoto attract tourists, Osaka, Japan’s bustling business hub, is preparing to host the 2025 World Expo. The city is adorned with the Expo’s “Myaku-Myaku” mascot, buzzing with anticipation. While many residents harbor nostalgic memories of the 1970 Expo, doubts linger regarding the event’s relevance and rising construction costs.

Despite challenges, older residents in Osaka emphasize the importance of such events, recalling the transformative impact of Expo ’70. They remember schoolchildren flocking to see moon rocks, electric car prototypes, and the introduction of Western foods. For many, it was a rare opportunity to experience international culture and interact with people from around the world.

“My experience as an interpreter at World Expo ’70 was transformative,” says Takahiro Shinyo, a former ambassador who now teaches at Kwansei Gakuin University. “It opened my eyes to the power of international cooperation and the potential of human ingenuity.” He believes the value of direct interpersonal contact fostered by World Expos is unmatched by online platforms.

The 2025 Expo, themed “Designing the Future of Our Lives,” is expected to attract 28.2 million visitors, including 3 million from overseas. It will take place on a man-made island, utilizing technology similar to Kansai International Airport. Organizers hope to showcase flying cars, with the possibility of visitors traveling from the airport to the Expo using this futuristic mode of transport.

While technology is a focus, the emphasis is on international cooperation. “This Expo is not just a showcase of industry. It’s about having all the nations come together and unite as one,” said Sachiko Yoshimura, a spokeswoman for the Expo.

The public can experience the legacy of Expo ’70 by visiting ExpoCity, which features the Steel Pavilion and memorabilia from the 1970 event. Visitors can climb the iconic “Taiyo no To” sculpture and enjoy nostalgic meals at “Expo Restaurant.”

The 2025 World Expo in Osaka promises to be a significant event, drawing on the city’s rich history and its commitment to fostering global connection. Whether it can overcome the challenges and live up to the legacy of Expo ’70 remains to be seen.

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