Gearoid Reidy, Columnist

Japan’s Second City Is Hosting a $66 Billion Coming-Out Party

Osaka's hosting of the World Expo has faced a torrent of negativity. But it's a chance to showcase the city to the world.

April 10, 2025 at 9:00 PM UTC

By Gearoid Reidy

Gearoid Reidy is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Japan and the Koreas. He previously led the breaking news team in North Asia, and was the Tokyo deputy bureau chief.

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stands with Myaku-Myaku, the mascot for the 2025 Osaka World Expo. — Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stands with Myaku-Myaku, the mascot for the 2025 Osaka World Expo.
Photographer: STR/AFP/Getty Images

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Osaka’s World Expo opens to the public on Sunday, following years of negative headlines — from budget overruns and calls for its cancellation, to methane explosions and concerns over its bizarre, many-eyed Lovecraftian mascot.

First held in London in 1851, world expos have been promoted as venues to bring nations together and foster global coordination. But for Japan’s second city, this is a coming-out party, a $66 billion 1gamble showcasing its transformation into a region that’s becoming a magnet for Asia’s cash.