Osaka World Expo 2025 Tickets Surpass 18 Million as Yumeshima Mega Event Targets 23 Million Visitors

Ticket sales for the ongoing Osaka World Expo 2025 have exceeded 18 million, reaching the break-even point for operating costs, organizers announced on Monday. 

As of Friday, the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition had confirmed that 18.09 million tickets had been sold since the Expo’s opening on April 13, 2025. 

Image Source: Meen on X

The six-month event, held on Osaka’s Yumeshima Island, is scheduled to run until October 13 and aims for a total of 23 million ticket sales.

According to the association, weekly sales have averaged between 400,000 and 500,000 tickets since opening day. 

This marks a sharp turnaround from the months before the Expo, when sluggish ticket sales sparked concern that the international event might end in the red. 

Organizers credit the popularity of several national pavilions--particularly those from Italy, the United States, and other international participants--as well as strong word-of-mouth reviews on social media for the sales boost.

The operating cost for Expo 2025 is estimated at ¥116 billion (about $785 million), with ¥96.9 billion expected to be covered by admission fee revenue. However, officials caution that profitability is not yet guaranteed. 

The park-and-ride transport system, designed to shuttle visitors from private cars to the venue, has seen lower-than-expected usage and could lose several billion yen. In addition, weather-related closures could result in losses of up to ¥600 million per day.

Expo 2025, officially titled the Japan International Exposition, is being held under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, with sub-themes of “Saving Lives,” “Empowering Lives,” and “Connecting Lives.” 

The site features three main thematic districts, an iconic wooden “Grand Ring” structure, and a variety of pavilions showcasing technological innovation, sustainability, and cultural exchange.

This is the second time Osaka has hosted a World Expo, following the landmark Expo 1970, which drew over 64 million visitors. Expo 2025’s projected attendance is 28 million, with many visitors also expected to explore Osaka’s other attractions, boosting tourism across the Kansai region.

Organizers say the event also plays a crucial role in advancing Japan’s Society 5.0 vision--a “super smart” society integrating cyberspace and physical space--while promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ahead of their 2030 target year.

With record-setting performances, high-profile cultural events, and unique attractions like the Myaku-Myaku mascot, the Osaka World Expo 2025 is already drawing attention at home and abroad. 

Yet, with unexpected costs and the challenge of sustaining high attendance through October, organizers stress that surpassing the 18 million ticket mark is “only one passing point” on the road to success.