Huge Crowds Visit Osaka Expo as It Enters Its Final Weekend

The World Exposition in Osaka entered its final weekend on Saturday, drawing more than 200,000 visitors a day in recent weeks, with the venue packed to capacity as the six-month international event nears its conclusion, Kyodo News reported.

As of Friday, total visitor numbers had reached a preliminary 24.87 million — surpassing the 22.05 million recorded at the 2005 Expo in Aichi Prefecture. (Photo: Expo2025 大阪・関西万博 Facebook) 

Ahead of the 184-day expo’s closing, the “national day” series — in which participating countries showcase traditional performances — concluded on Saturday with Haiti hosting the final celebration.

Queues formed early outside the gates.

Among those waiting was Mai Tsumori, a 44-year-old from western Japan visiting for the fourth time. She said she was eager to enjoy the event one last time. When the gates opened shortly before 9 a.m., crowds rushed toward popular pavilions and attractions.

At the ceremony for Haiti’s national day, an official said the country and Japan share a common aspiration to build a better future for their people, expressing hope to “open a new and beautiful chapter of history in Osaka.”

A video message from Japan’s former world No. 1 tennis player Naomi Osaka, whose father is from Haiti, was also played during the ceremony.

As of Friday, total visitor numbers had reached a preliminary 24.87 million — surpassing the 22.05 million recorded at the 2005 Expo in Aichi Prefecture. Tickets for the final three days through Monday have sold out.