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The Rising Interest in Osaka Expo 2025 from Americans

As the much-anticipated Osaka Expo approaches its opening on April 13, 2025, excitement is building not just among Japanese residents but also internationally. This event has gained substantial attention from inbound tourists, especially from the United States. In response to this growing interest, BEYOND Inc., a Tokyo-based company focused on inbound promotion, conducted a survey targeting the American public.

Survey Details

The survey took place from April 5 to April 9, 2025, gathering responses from a total of 104 individuals in the U.S. and France, all aged 18 and above. Utilizing an online method, the data indicated that a remarkable 94.2% of respondents were from the United States, showcasing a significant interest from this demographic.

Responses reflected a diverse age range, with a substantial number coming from individuals between 30 and 60 years old. The survey results indicated that a striking 79.8% of participants expressed a desire to attend the Osaka Expo, while only 6.7% indicated they would not.

Reasons for Attending

The primary motivation for attending the expo, as identified in the survey, was a strong interest in the expo itself. Many respondents also noted their excitement about the themes presented at the event and their eagerness to experience special events unique to the Expo. Numerous respondents commented on the high level of excellence associated with Japanese events, reflecting a broad anticipation for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

While the enthusiasm was high, there were concerns expressed by the remaining respondents about attending. A significant 60% of those who were hesitant to attend cited financial considerations, such as transportation and ticket costs, as the main deterrents. Variables like anticipated crowds and insufficient information also contributed to their reluctance, emphasizing the need for more effective communication in English about the event.

Timing Preferences

Interestingly, responses indicated that the most favorable time for visitors is during the cherry blossom season in April 2025. Conversely, interest appears to dip during the hot summer months, but there is a noted increase in desire to visit during the fall.

Insights on Interests

A closer look at the free-form responses revealed a striking preference for Japanese traditional culture, alongside culinary experiences and nightlife. Participants expressed great interest in activities such as café hopping in Kyoto, temple visits in Nara, and even ghost tours in Osaka. This suggests foreign tourists to the Kansai region are placing high value on immersive cultural experiences, aiming to connect with history and local traditions.

Moreover, food-related interests surfaced prominently, indicating a shift from past “shopping sprees” to a demand for diverse culinary experiences.

Unsurprisingly, the ghost tour—a popular Western concept—emerged as an intriguing option, highlighting a growing interest in exploring historical sites through spooky narratives. The incorporation of such night-time attractions could significantly enhance the appeal of the Expo to foreign tourists.

Conclusion

The insights derived from this survey shed light on how Americans perceive the upcoming Osaka Expo and underline the pressing necessity for adequate informational outreach to mitigate concerns about costs and accessibility. As inbound tourism surges at unprecedented rates, it’s essential to promote both the Expo and the broader attractions of Japan to potential international visitors effectively.

BEYOND Inc. specializes in overseas promotion and in-depth market research tailored to specific countries. With over 450 successful partnerships—including major corporations and municipalities—our expertise in executing marketing strategies for inbound tourism is unquestionable. For comprehensive consultations regarding international marketing or promotional strategies, don’t hesitate to reach out through our contact page: Contact BEYOND.

About BEYOND Inc.

Founded in Toyosu, Tokyo, BEYOND specializes in:

• - Inbound promotion and market research
• - Consulting for inbound tourism and local revitalization
• - Social media and digital marketing support
• - Development of global marketing talent
• - Management of the high-value experience reservation platform “Origami Concierge”

Website: BEYOND Global

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