Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Urges Unity at the Opening Ceremony of World Expo 2025

The opening ceremony for the 2025 World Expo in Osaka kicked off on Saturday, with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasizing unity amidst escalating global divisions. Ishiba highlighted the significance of gathering people from around the globe to discuss vital themes of life and technological advancement, particularly in light of recent crises exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and ongoing conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. The Expo, which officially opens to the public on Sunday, is expected to showcase innovative technology and cultural diversity with over 180 countries participating amid concerns of rising operational costs and ticket sales lagging behind targets. This Expo marks Osaka's second hosting since 1970, aiming to attract approximately 28 million visitors— a figure that appears ambitious considering only 9 million tickets have been sold so far. In contrast to past success, public interest has reportedly dwindled, with construction costs soaring due to the depreciation of the yen, leading to public scrutiny over fiscal responsibility and the future of the event. The Japan Pavilion’s innovative architectural design embodies the Expo's theme while expressing sustainability and resilience. Ishiba’s sentiments reflect a call for collaborative discourse in an increasingly fragmented world, urging a rejuvenation of global unity through shared experiences at the Expo. The additional context surrounding delayed pavilions from participating countries further adds nuance to the event, suggesting that while the Expo seeks to present a harmonious gathering of cultures, operational challenges illustrate the underlying disunity still prevalent on the global stage. As visitors gather to witness a showcase of futuristic inventions, the broader implications of these sentiments resonate beyond the event itself, nudging an ongoing dialogue around cooperation amid crises.