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Osaka to host 2025 World Expo

49 Comments
By Angela Charlton and Alex Turnbull

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49 Comments
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So wonderful they built a massive shopping mall on it. So much for legacy.

Reminds me of Kobe's recent renovation of Meriken Park, complete with "Western Japan's Biggest Starbucks!" You know, building a massive foreign chain shop smack in the middle of a park that also commemorates the 1995 earthquake and, without irony, Japan's opening to the West.

At least Banpaku Koen is massive enough that you can avoid the mall. I've been there twice since it opened without setting eyes on it.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Bampaku Koen is a wonderful legacy left from the 1970 Expo, there is no reason why this shouldn't do the same.

So wonderful they built a massive shopping mall on it. So much for legacy.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

There's room to appreciate the good (and bad) points of both city and country, I reckon.

agreed, ive been a city guy nearly all my life,and going back 10~15yrs city life was far more convenient, now with the spread of highspeed internet you can buy almost everything you need online so the convenience is far diminished than what it once was. Im lucky my job doesnt require me to be in the city and only really need to do a city trip maybe once a week, although Id hapily comute the 50minutes each way, each day if I did work in the city to keep the better lifestyle I have now. recommend many take a look at used property on the outskirts of the city you live in now, much of it is dirt cheap and far larger than those pigeon holes they call mansions in the city.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

True, Laguna!

And rather than go to the time and trouble to fill each and every wetland, they are bringing forward completion by discussing a series of interconnected hexagonal lakes as part of the beautiful gardens, according to a TV talk show last night.

Luckily they do not get any high tides or flooding during typhoons in Osaka Bay... (or do they?) ;-)

0 ( +0 / -0 )

nandakandamanda, thanks. So it'll be Yumeshima. Funny when you go to all the trouble of building an artificial island and then don't know what to do with it (all the while hoping it doesn't sink).

Osaka is a fascinating city, and I'm sure the event will go swell and perhaps revitalize that corner of the metropolis. Just go easy on the debt, guys.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

just another bunch of oyajis and amakudari lining their pockets... another day in Japan.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

"Osaka is a very dirty and seedy place."

Osaka has seen a good deal of gentrification in recent years. Tennoji today vs. even 10 years ago is a mind-blowing transformation. Likewise Kita-ku. Of course, with the loss of some of the seedier pockets, many leading marginal existences are getting pushed elsewhere. Anyway, what city in Japan doesn't have it's sleazy side. Kobe has a fashionable cosmopolitan rep but go to Fukuhara or the pink shops a stone's throw from Hankyu Sannomiya.

Anyway, Osaka's a pretty cool city, it's constantly evolving, the people are generally cool and the food and craft beer scenes are slammin'. In addition, after this past year's earthquake and typhoons, it's nice that the locals got a bit of good news (especially in a nation where everything is about Tokyo).

But simply b/c we might like Osaka or its people doesn't mean an expo is the best way to reinvigorate a city facing a lot of fiscal challenges. From the Milan Expo a few years back:

“The Expo is a machine for burning public money,” said one protester, carrying a “No Expo” banner. “It promised to bring jobs and boost the economy, but it’s being run by voluntary labour and has wasted billions on pointless infrastructure.”

https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/may/12/expo-2015-what-does-milan-gain-by-hosting-this-bloated-global-extravaganza

They may not cause as much long-term damage as Olympic games but give these guys time. And someone mentioned Expo Park, which is still a fantastic place to visit--I agree. That's a legacy. Spending taxpayer billions for a short-lived event, only to see it torn down for a casino or re-purposed for hordes of gamblers--that's not.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Too many negative commentors. Osaka is not a pretty city, or famous like Tokyo, or have so many attractions. BUT food is amazing, shopping is cheaper, and people are super friendly. It is a good base to stay for foreigners, when travelling to World Heritage sights in Kyoto and Nara. Airports and Transport is good.

Osaka will do a great job in showcasing all of Japan, history and hi-tech, to the world in 2025!

-4 ( +5 / -9 )

It's so funny, it's obviously a tax payer loss. Cudos for those arguing "Sugoi" it's cute. Not so cute when the bill arrives. Strangerland just ignor the CCP puppet, Kermet the frog has more sence, education -and honest intent. This Expo is just Old men spending and profiting from Tax payer money. Is an Expo worth working until your 70 and and handing the debt onto children, grandchildren?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I used to live in Osaka. I love Osaka. I still have many friends in Osaka. I would like to live there again someday.

However.

Osaka is a very dirty and seedy place. Osaka needs to stop being Tokyo Jr. and become a top player on their own. We shall see if this event can make changes necessary. Step up your game Osaka, clean it up, and show the world how it's done!

Although I don't think I have heard anything on the World Fair in decades, what is the World Fair exactly in 2018?

On a side note, how many of the people in that main picture even be around in 2025?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Osaka is the host, its not about what Osaka has to show but being able bring together in one place what the World has to show, 

Exactly.

Personally, i think that world expos have lost their charm/aura/significance in the last 2 decades thanks to/because of Internet and all types of media which have revolutionized the way we see things. In the late 80s & early 90s, world expos were still a big thing (the last - and only- one i remember of is Sevilla 92), participating countries wanted to have the best 'Pavilion', the most visitors etc. Imo ppl -especially in western europe & the us- have become blase, seen it all, been there/done that etc.

Probably different in emerging markets and/or countries/cities which were/are isolated geographically, culturally etc and where World Expos are still seen as 'prestigious' events to host though.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Oh, and congratulations from Nandakandamanda to Osaka! :-)

1 ( +2 / -1 )

And for the naysayers, since Osaka has experienced a series of losses--electronics industry and pharma moving out and Western tourists mostly visiting Kyoto--this gives Osakans something to hope for. The fact is, AI technology is very strong in Japan and Kansai has a small but rapidly growing biotech industry powered by Osaka and Kyoto U.

These seem like valid reasons for hope.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

"Isn't that the same mayor that banned people from working in local government if they had tattoos?"

No, it's not the same mayor (Hashimoto).

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Osaka is pretty much a bankrupt state, we-Tokyo had to hand out cash transfers to keep it alive, basically another California..

Knowing Osaka folk, they'll overspend, let the increased debts on our country begin...

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Well, I am sorry that Japan's leaders did not see this as an ideal bargaining chip to Russia, "We'll withdraw our bid for the Expo if you agree to hand back two/four of the northern islands." Yekaterinburg and Japan could have been winners if both sides had seen it in those terms.

Personally I am suspicious of Yumeshima (most people cannot even read the Japanese 夢洲) this swampy island off Osaka where the article says a casino will be set up. Trump is alleged to have asked Abe to make sure that the bidding for this prime location goes to the owner of Las Vegas Sxxxx, a win-win situation for him. Let's keep our hands and pockets clean, gentlemen.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

smithinjapan, Japan is in a historical moment, and has to make decision soon as to the relationship with neighbours. This world expo is important for Japan, because the Northeast Asia is important to the world. Japan is no longer in 1970s, and can't do significant things without pivoting back to where it belongs: the United States of Northeast Asia.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

OSaka and Tokyo both suck if your trying to bring up a family , way overcrowded and stressful, personally best parts fo Japan are rural , moved there two years ago and its the best life choice ive made, people friendlier far more space to move and the kids to play, tarffic hardly exists, dont need to live near a station as you can drive and park everywhere easily, home is 4 times bigger than my previous house, parking for 5 cars, large garage its almost like living in another world compared to city living. And since where in Japan Im only 50minutes drive from the city if I ever need to go, which to many Japanese is like living on the moon. LOL

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Osaka_Doug & BigYen, standout in a sea of negativity, Osaka is the host, its not about what Osaka has to show but being able bring together in one place what the World has to show, venues like Big Sight were hardly big enough for The World Robot Summit, in seven years, all things electric, moving for themselves, flying for themselves, thinking for themselves will hardly fit in a whole city that size, it will truly be amazing, and hopefully peaceful.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Great! You what this means? More mascots! ya-a-a-ay!

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Strangerland, you don't get it, and you still don't get it. Awesome is just enough, as simple as that. This is not about a city, this is not even about Japan. If you don't get it at this point, you already failed, miserably.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

Osaka is awesome. And I've never thought of it as lesser than Tokyo, just different. They are both awesome in different ways.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Hakuba: “Why all the negative comments? Kansai has stood under the shadow of Tokyo and to some degree Kyoto for years.”

perfect example of of what I was talking about; forget the debt this will cause. Forget the fact that when Expo was held here ages ago Japan had a lot to show, and this time they have nothing at all. Forget that people ALREADY complain about tourists despite them propping up the economy. It’s all about inferiority complexes. Hakuba, I ask you, what does Osaka have to show the world that warrants getting Expo?

Japan wants every single international event under the sun, and it is hurting the nation.

-4 ( +5 / -9 )

Unfortunately, by 2025, Japan may not even be the third world nation anymore. I feel depressed when think what to show in 2025 to the world.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Why all the negative comments? Kansai has stood under the shadow of Tokyo and to some degree Kyoto for years. This will give the city a chance to show off its talents and wonderful food.

Bampaku Koen is a wonderful legacy left from the 1970 Expo, there is no reason why this shouldn't do the same.

0 ( +8 / -8 )

I've already heard 10 people congratulate themselves today. I asked one why they want Osaka to host Expo again, and what it would showcase. They said, "I want to be like Tokyo". That is literally what he said.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

Olympics then World Expo, we have an old saying, "you fall and the ladder falls on you", great!!

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Should also co host the Olympics.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Incoming bribery 'gift' investigation

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Come and see...parks full of homeless, shops with shutters down, abandoned homes. Expos were a showcase for the future if that's the future...no thank you.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

Great. Let's keep adding to Japan's astronomical debt.

7 ( +12 / -5 )

Kansai! My home. Great news and proud to be from Osaka.

0 ( +8 / -8 )

"Money!"

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Sensational news, congratulation Osaka !! Expo 2025 will put Osaka on the map, and boost tourism. Robots and AI will be the big displays. Japan should now be looking at 50-60 million tourists in 2025. Win-win!

-13 ( +5 / -18 )

why is this a good thing?

9 ( +10 / -1 )

If a picture says a thousand words then the opening one is saying some pretty strong words about the old boys club that is Japanese hierarchy.

A room full of ignorant old conservative men celebrating something that's going to entrench their positions and make them more money.

Now i remember why i wanted to leave Japan.

Isn't that the same mayor that banned people from working in local government if they had tattoos?

Wonder if he will ban foreigners with tattoos from attending as well.

11 ( +14 / -3 )

Why?

Beat Russia and Azerbaijan it's a pity Osaka ranks best among such haughty competition. World expos were amazing when no one had telephones. And trains were futuristic. Just another waist of public funds in this day and age.

7 ( +11 / -4 )

Oh dear.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Does that artificial island exist, or will they have to build a new one?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I particularly like the pix of the oldsters rejoicing--look we can still raid the public treasury for boondoggles that enrich our patrons.

8 ( +11 / -3 )

From the photo I deduce Osaka's an all male city.

11 ( +18 / -7 )

Certain train companies in Kansai had seemed to think that Osaka had already won,what with the number of expo posters plastered on their trains and stations....

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Congratulations !!

They will have plenty of time to print money that they can borrow from themselves to construct facilities that the general public will never be able to use.

11 ( +17 / -6 )

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