As Osaka Expo 2025 gets ready to open on April 13, a recent survey shows that Japanese businesses are divided on whether the event will help the country’s economy. The national survey, conducted by Teikoku Databank Ltd., found that 43.5% of companies expect the Expo to bring economic benefits, while 56.5% remain unsure or doubtful.
The Expo is set to attract millions of visitors to the Kansai region, which includes Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo. Supporters say the event will boost tourism, improve infrastructure, and help showcase Japanese technology. But many businesses, especially those outside western Japan, are less confident.
Survey Shows Split Opinions
In the nationwide poll of 1,486 companies, only 9.4% said they “expect benefits” from the Expo, while 34.1% said they “somewhat expect benefits.” Meanwhile, 38% said they “do not particularly expect benefits,” and 18.4% said they “do not expect benefits” at all.
The level of optimism varied by region. In Osaka, where the Expo will take place, 62% of companies said they expect economic benefits. Businesses in nearby Hyogo and Kyoto also showed stronger support, with 57.9% and 56.1%, respectively, expecting positive outcomes.
In contrast, regions farther from the venue—such as Tohoku, Kanto, and Hokkaido—had much lower optimism, hovering around 30%. These areas include major cities like Tokyo and Sapporo, where some companies say the event feels distant and disconnected.
Key Benefits Highlighted by Supporters
Despite the mixed feelings, many businesses still believe the Expo has the potential to support growth. When asked what specific benefits they expect (multiple answers were allowed), companies pointed to:
- Increase in domestic and foreign tourists – 64.0%
- Improved international image of Osaka and Kansai – 34.5%
- Infrastructure development – 31.7%
- Promotion of Japanese technology – 27.1%
- Stronger private-sector business activity – 23.8%
One retail business in Mie Prefecture gave a concrete example. The company said that railways across the Kinki region have started accepting credit card payments at ticket gates, thanks to Expo-related upgrades. “That’s a good step toward better infrastructure,” the business stated.
Concerns Over Reach and Promotion
But for some, the Expo feels like a missed opportunity. A business in Tokyo’s specialized services sector said the event “just isn’t gaining momentum.” Another firm in Shizuoka Prefecture, which makes electrical machines, said that small businesses have limited space and time to showcase their work. They also felt that promotion for the Expo has been weak.
Other concerns focus on the changing nature of global events. In an age of digital conferences and global travel, some wonder if the Expo is still relevant. Others fear that the huge costs of hosting the event might not bring enough return on investment.
Investment and Expectations
Japan has invested billions of yen into Expo 2025, including building a new venue on Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay. The government hopes the event will be a major driver of post-pandemic recovery, especially in tourism and trade.
Previous world expos, like Expo 2010 in Shanghai, drew over 70 million visitors and boosted the host city’s global profile. Osaka is aiming for similar success. Officials expect more than 28 million visitors, with foreign tourists making up a big part of the crowd.
Still, experts caution that success depends on more than visitor numbers. Hiroshi Saito, an economic analyst at the Japan Center for Economic Research, told News Xpress Online, “The Expo has potential, but the benefits must be spread fairly across regions. If only Osaka profits, national impact will be limited.”
The Road Ahead
With the countdown to Expo 2025 nearly over, organizers are rushing to complete construction and promote the event both domestically and abroad. Events, workshops, and pavilions are expected to highlight climate action, AI innovation, and future city planning.
Meanwhile, businesses across Japan will be watching closely to see if the Expo lives up to the hype. Some are preparing to expand operations or attract tourists, while others remain cautious.
As one business owner from Nagoya put it: “If the Expo brings people to Japan and helps us modernize, that’s a win. But it needs to include more than just the Kansai area.”
Expo 2025 Osaka is a major event with high hopes and high stakes. While some businesses are excited about the chance to grow, others worry that the benefits may not reach beyond the host city. The next few months will reveal whether the Expo can truly support Japan’s economy—or if it becomes a missed opportunity.
