Osaka Expo Visitors Top 22.21-M, Surpass 2005 Aichi Total

Visitor numbers at the ongoing World Exposition in Osaka reached 22.21 million as of Sunday, surpassing the total recorded at the 2005 Aichi Expo and putting the event on track to possibly exceed 25 million before it ends in two weeks, Mainichi Japan reported.

The figures are still shy of the original 28.2 million projection. (Photo: Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition)

Ticket sales stood at 21.86 million as of September 19, surpassing the 18 million needed to break even on operating costs, according to the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition.

However, with sales closing Tuesday and time slots nearly fully booked through the October 13 finale, it remains uncertain whether the association will hit its 23 million ticket target.

Since September 12, more than 200,000 people have visited daily, raising the likelihood the total will top 25 million, though still shy of the original 28.2 million projection.

On Monday, crowds braved the rain to attend. One 59-year-old visitor from Hyogo Prefecture said he returned after an August trip: “I wanted to see more. I wish they would extend the event.”