#Japan #Osaka #Kansai Expo #Ponta #MyakMyak

Exploring the Osaka-Kansai Expo: Visitor Insights and Opinions

An insightful survey conducted just before the closure of the Osaka-Kansai Expo sheds light on visitor experiences and sentiments towards future events. In collaboration with the radio program "Mabuchi and Watanabe's #BizTopi," conducted by Loyalty Marketing Inc. (LM), the study targeted 1,000 participants from their 20s to 60s, providing a detailed look at the impact and perception of the expo known for its remarkable engagement and diverse themes.

Visitor Attendance and Evaluation

One of the standout findings of the survey is that slightly over 11% of respondents had attended the expo, with an additional 4.7% indicating plans to visit shortly, totaling 16.3% of participants. The 20s demographic showed the highest levels of engagement, with 16% stating they had attended and 11.5% planning a visit. Notably, many were drawn to visit during September, explaining the marked rise in attendance as the expo nears its conclusion on October 13, 2025.

Positive feedback was prevalent among attendees, with nearly 80% rating their experience as "exceeded expectations" (47.4%) or "met expectations" (33.6%). Satisfaction rates were also high, with a combined 70% of respondents feeling either "very satisfied" (24.1%) or "somewhat satisfied" (45.7%). Furthermore, a majority, 67.2%, expressed a desire to visit again, indicating strong potential for recurring engagements.

Reasons for Not Attending

On the flip side, a staggering 83.7% reported they had not visited the expo. When asked why, the top reason was a lack of interest (35.2%) followed by the venue's distance and access issues (26.9%). Interestingly, 31.7% cited no specific reasons, highlighting a potential gap in understanding or connection with the event. The official character, MyakMyak, attracted varying degrees of attention, especially among the younger population. About 19% of those in their 20s reported an interest in the character, compared to lower percentages from older age groups.

Future Utilization of Expo Facilities

Participants were queried about potential future uses for expo facilities like the "Dai-Yane Ring." The most popular suggestions were transforming these spaces into parklands or community relaxation areas (30.1%) and landmark tourist spots (28.7%). However, 40.3% of respondents felt that there shouldn't be any specific plans, signaling a need for more innovative ideas post-expo.

Concerns Over Integrated Resorts

Regarding the ongoing development plans for Integrated Resorts (IR) on the expo site, over 40% of respondents voiced opposition to this initiative, while around 35.8% admitted they did not understand the proposals fully. The primary concerns centered on potential worsening of safety and increased gambling addiction. Despite hopes for economic revitalization (25.8%) and increased tourism (24.4%), 52% of respondents showed limited expectations towards these future developments.

Attitudes Towards Future International Events

Notably, only 16.6% of participants advocated for the active hosting of international events in Japan, with a significant 57.5% unsure about future plans. This sentiment reflects a cautious approach towards large-scale international engagements, possibly requiring more thorough public engagement and explanations of benefits to gain broader support.

Expert Insights

Comments from the radio hosts of the program provide further clarity on participant sentiments:

• - Mariko Mabuchi (Economic Analyst): Emphasized that the expo successfully tapped into Japanese social psychology, drawing large crowds towards its closing stages. Highlights the potential for engaging younger generations when positive perceptions of value are established.
• - Hiroaki Watanabe (Consumer Economic Analyst): Expressed personal satisfaction from multiple visits and reflected on the unique chance to immerse in diverse ideas. He highlighted the need for thoughtful resource management post-expo and anticipated innovative plans for maximizing facilities for community benefits.

Conclusion

The results of this survey provide a nuanced understanding of public sentiment surrounding the Osaka-Kansai Expo and its future implications. While visitor satisfaction shines through, the disparities in attendance, engagement, and ongoing concerns signal crucial areas for strategic consideration as Japan looks forward to potential future international events. Encouraging involvement from younger demographics and addressing safety concerns will be essential in shaping successful engagements moving forward.