#Japan #Osaka #Osaka Expo #Japanese Culture #JAL Future Map

Reflecting on the Success of Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025

On October 14, 2025, the Osaka-Kansai Expo concluded with great success, thanks to the support and cooperation of many individuals. This exposition has attracted global attention as a platform for international exchange in economy and culture during the post-pandemic recovery phase. For the JAL Group, it provided an unprecedented opportunity to promote a future mobility society and community-based coexistence. At this event, we took a significant step forward to innovate the value of movement.

The expo's concept, "Designing a Society of a Brilliant Future for Life," aligned seamlessly with our vision, articulated in the "JAL FUTURE MAP." Together, we undertook extensive initiatives aimed at realizing the well-being of society, beyond just air transportation. Visitors, exceeding 25 million, experienced the diverse attractions of various countries and regions both inside and outside the venue, deepening connections and laying the groundwork for a vibrant future society.

The JAL Group has embraced the challenge to realize a future society, anchored on three pillars: technological innovation, community collaboration, and human connections. This experience, marked by overwhelming support and expectations from our customers and local communities, has reinforced our corporate mission and will serve as a foundation for our future growth and social contributions.

Achievements at the Expo

1. Making Air Travel More Accessible

The immersive theater "Sora Cruise By Japan Airlines" offered an exhilarating experience, making participants feel as though they were onboard flying cars. A full-scale model of a flying car was also on display, allowing attendees to envision the exciting possibilities of future air travel.
By the end of the expo, the "Sora Cruise" had welcomed 129,055 visitors since reaching its 100,000 milestone on September 1, 2025. Many enjoyed the unique experience, exploring the potential of next-generation air mobility. Following the expo's close, the Soracle Company plans to conduct practical operations with actual vehicles in the Osaka-Kansai area starting in 2026, followed by initial projects for transport, tourism, disaster prevention, and logistics in 2027.
JAL aims to deepen connections among people through mobility, contributing to regional exchanges and revitalizing social economies in our pursuit of a future mobility society.

2. Creating New Mobility to Japan's Regions

The operation of the "JAL Gundam JET" captivated numerous fans and travelers, generating excitement for the expo. Additionally, through promotional projects for international tourists and the sale of limited-design stamps, we successfully highlighted the attractions of various Japanese regions, nurturing new flows of visitors. The special-designed JAL Myakumyaku JET provided a vibrant appearance leading up to the expo, concluding its voyage on the closing day, October 14, 2025. A farewell event was held on October 13 at Osaka International Airport, where children engaged in writing their messages on the aircraft and capturing memorable moments with the JET.

3. Showcasing Regional Appeal and Fostering New Connections

In collaboration with West Japan JR Bus, the "This is Osaka Bus Tour" was initiated as part of the Osaka-San Sebastián Project, promoting local cuisine and night views while tackling over-tourism in Umeda and Namba. From September 5 to October 13, a "JAL Restaurant Bus" ran three services daily, offering an exquisite dining experience featuring local delicacies from Michelin-starred restaurants to the expo attendees, ensuring a smooth travel between the expo venue and Osaka's urban heart.
To guide international visitors away from urban hotspots into regional tourism, we launched tours utilizing JAL’s domestic routes, giving them a chance to experience local nature, culture, and culinary delights. These initiatives effectively communicated regional allure and contributed to community revitalization and economic growth.

Conclusion from JAL's Vice President

Reflecting back to the 1970 Osaka Expo, where jumbo jets symbolized the promise of future skies, I feel immense joy at being able to offer experiences of future aviation trends based on the "JAL FUTURE MAP" at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. Our aim is to make air travel more accessible, broadcast regional delights, and create new flows of people that foster connections among individuals and communities, working towards a society characterized by well-being.
Through this expo, we have not only facilitated international exchanges, embracing the charm and innovations from around the world, but we also demonstrated how next-generation air mobility can shape our future. Our collaborative declaration on Sustainable Well-being Goals (SWGs) at the 7th Nikkei Well-being Symposium on October 6, 2025, signified a crucial stride towards connecting future generations with a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow.
JAL will continue to contribute to well-being through mobility, inspired by the experiences we gained during the expo and buoyed by the support of our community.