What's happened
As Osaka gears up for the 2025 World Expo, excitement is tempered by skepticism. While many residents recall the nostalgic impact of the 1970 Expo, concerns about rising costs and political infighting cast a shadow over preparations. The event aims to foster international cooperation and cultural exchange amidst a changing global landscape.
Why it matters
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post highlights the mixed feelings among Osaka residents, noting that while some are excited, others are skeptical due to rising costs and political infighting. The Independent echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the nostalgia for the 1970 Expo and the challenges faced in current preparations. Patrick St. Michel from The Japan Times discusses the cultural significance of such events, arguing that they foster necessary international cooperation, a view supported by many older residents who recall the transformative impact of the last Expo.
How we got here
Osaka is set to host the World Expo in 2025, a significant event for Japan, which last hosted an Expo in 1970. Preparations have faced challenges, including rising construction costs and political disputes, leading to mixed feelings among residents about the event's relevance today.
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