Japan The emperor rings in the Expo
Host Japan celebrated the opening of the world expo in the presence of Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako in the megacity of Osaka. The gates will open to normal visitors on Sunday. The crown prince and princess and Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also took part in the opening ceremony, which was broadcast live on television.
12.04.2025, 09:19
12.04.2025, 09:20
SDA
Located on the artificial island of Yumeshima, the Expo site is surrounded by the spectacular "Grand Ring", a wooden structure around two kilometers long and up to 20 meters high - the largest in the world, according to the organizers. The imposing structure is intended to symbolize the overarching concept of the Expo - diversity and unity.
More than 160 countries, regions and international organizations will be showcasing ideas on the central theme of "Designing Future Society for Our Lives" in their pavilions over the six months until 13 October.
According to the latest figures, the organizers are expecting around 28 million visitors, although surveys show that interest among the Japanese population has so far been low. Osaka previously hosted the Expo in 1970. Back then, more than 64 million visitors attended.
