2023-07-11 10:13:10
The Osaka-Kansai Expo will open in two years, but the number of applications required for the construction of overseas pavilions remains “zero.” What the hell is going on?
■Overseas Pavilion Construction Application “Zero”
Business card exchange with the governor of Akita Prefecture.
Akita Governor Norihisa Satake: “Myakumyaku-kun”
The official mascot character of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, Myakumyaku, visited the Akita Prefectural Office on the 11th. There are 642 days left until the opening of 2025. Large heavy machinery has entered the planned venue site, and various construction work has begun. However, it is said that overseas pavilions are not progressing. Zero application required for construction. Will a unique building peculiar to the exposition be in time?
Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura: “(Q. Not a single application for construction has been submitted to Osaka City.) We recognize that this is an issue, partly due to the steep rise in the prices of various building materials.”
The theme of the 1970 Osaka Expo was “Progress and Harmony for Mankind.” People were stunned by the bizarre structures, including the Tower of the Sun, and the elaborate pavilions of each country.
Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura: “(Q. There are no construction applications to Osaka City yet?) Now we have to hurry.”
■Are you shy away from complicated designs at the Osaka Expo?
153 countries and regions have announced their participation in the Expo two years from now. Of these, approximately 50 countries and regions will set up their own pavilions. However, the building application necessary for that is zero even on the 11th. In such a situation…
Naoki Okada, Minister of State for Expo ’70: “One of the government’s goals is to reduce costs by simplifying the design of participating countries, shorten the construction period, and request participating countries to increase their budgets.”
The Expo Association, which manages the Expo, presented to the participating countries and regions a plan to simplify the design of the pavilion’s exterior, secure a construction company and carry out the construction on behalf of the association. What are the circumstances that are delaying the application? A Japanese contractor involved in the construction of a pavilion in a certain participating country confessed the situation.
■Original coverage of the internal affairs of the Osaka Expo
Domestic business operator in Japan: “From the point of view of a country that is steadily proceeding with its plans, I don’t think there will be any problems even if there are no applications at this point. I think it’s a problem that is complicated.”
On the other hand, it is said that the number of pre-application consultations is small.
Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura: “(Q. How many cases are there now?) I think the Japan Expo Association knows, but I myself have not been able to grasp the number.”
Contractor in Japan: “Of the 50 or so countries that are planning to build their own pavilions, it seems that quite a few have not even come to us for consultation.”
“If the construction is not completed in time for the opening, there is a fear that it will not be established as an international exposition.” The association explains that if necessary, it will ask participating countries to increase their budgets or reduce costs by simplifying designs.
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