130 Nations Joining Expo 2025 Osaka, Gov't Claims

The Expo 2025 in Osaka, western Japan, is picking up momentum as 130 countries and regions have confirmed their participation in the global event so far after marking 1,000 days to go until the opening, Mainichi Shimbun reported.

Photo Insert: The nickname of the official character of the Expo was announced as "Myaku-Myaku," selected from over 33,000 submitted entries, at the event, while a countdown ceremony was held the same day in the host city Osaka.

Hungary, Fiji, Mauritius, and Mauritania on Friday joined 126 countries and regions as well as eight international organizations, such as the United Nations, that have already confirmed their participation in the event.

On July 18, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida attended a "1,000 Days to Go!" event in Tokyo and said, "Ushering in a new era by cutting-edge technologies, I would like to make this (the Osaka Expo) as an opportunity to solve social issues."

The nickname of the official character of the Expo was announced as "Myaku-Myaku," selected from over 33,000 submitted entries, at the event, while a countdown ceremony was held the same day in the host city Osaka.

In Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, adjacent to Osaka Prefecture, a demonstration flight of a "flying car" was held in front of invited guests from the prefectural government and firms.

The 5.7-meter long, 5.6-meter wide and 1.7-meter tall vehicle with the capacity of two people ascended to about 30 meters above the ground and successfully flew a distance of about 840 meters with no one aboard.

It is planned to be in service at the Expo 2025, which will be held from April 13 to Oct. 13 under the central theme of "Designing Future Society for Our Lives."

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