Japanese government sources revealed on Sunday that the central government plans to spend more than expected, around ¥164.7 billion (around $1.16 billion), to organize the World Expo in 2025 in Osaka Prefecture, amid widespread concerns about the ballooning costs of this global event.
Japan's official news agency, Kyodo, reported that in addition to this amount, which includes spending on bidding activities, the central government, local authorities, and the private sector are expected to inject another ¥9.7 trillion into developing the necessary infrastructure for this event.
With costs exceeding initial estimates, the government will establish a committee with external experts to examine whether continuing to pour vast sums of taxpayers' money into the project is appropriate.
Out of the ¥9.7 trillion, ¥839 billion will be spent on building the infrastructure for the exhibition in western Japan, scheduled to take place from April 13 to October 13, 2025, at Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay.
Expenses also include funds allocated to improve roads and rivers related to the event in the region and its surroundings, with nearly 160 countries and regions expected to participate.
The government stated that, in addition, around ¥3.4 trillion will be allocated to demonstrative projects at this event, such as "flying cars," while the Ministry of Industry, Economy, and Trade announced that the expert committee it will form will review the costs and operational expenses every three months.
Industry Minister Ken Saito stated in a press conference, "We want to conduct regular and ongoing examinations of the exhibition's cost. We will continuously review the costs to avoid unnecessary burdens on the public."
Public sentiment towards the event remains skeptical, with spending on venue development almost doubling from the previous estimate to ¥235 billion amid rising material costs and labor fees, while the total cost will be evenly divided among the central government, Osaka prefectural governments, municipalities, and the business community.
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