Are you really excited about the Osaka-Kansai Expo? Let’s get excited together from the “Ura Expo” area near the venue!

The three areas of Minato, Suminoe, and Taisho wards that support Yumeshima, the site of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, have been named “Ura Expo,” and a project is underway to enliven the Expo for the entire region.

In this project, they will communicate the attractions of the area through the holding of bar events and the production of the “Ura Expo Guidebook,” while placing particular emphasis on cooperation with the local community. At the bar events, local restaurants and stores will offer special menus and services, bringing new discoveries and fun to visitors. The goal is to encourage visitors to the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai and neighboring communities to also visit the “Ura Expo” area and experience the local culture and vitality.

Project Inauguration

Even before the Osaka-Kansai Expo began, there were many negative comments from local residents, such as “Isn’t (the Expo) a waste of taxpayer money? During the event, there are concerns that local residents will be inconvenienced by traffic congestion, talking on cell phones in areas where cell phones are prohibited, smoking in non-smoking areas, and even leaving trash behind.

Therefore, in order to improve the bad image of the Expo, we launched this project so that local residents themselves can promote their community while being involved in the Expo.

そこで、万博に対する悪いイメージを少しでも改善するために、地元の皆さん自身が万博に関わりながら地域をPRできるように、本プロジェクトを立ち上げました。

Project Activities

In March 2025, the committee held a kick-off event called “Ura Expo Bar” in Minato and Suminoe wards. Fifty-nine stores participated in the event, with restaurants, nail salons, and supermarkets offering special menus and services. A wristband (500 yen) was purchased to receive exclusive services at participating stores, providing an opportunity for many people to enjoy the attractions of the area.

Through other activities, such as holding bar events and producing the “Ura Expo Guidebook,” we aim to promote interaction between the local community and visitors, thereby stimulating local vitality not only during the Expo period but also after the opening of the event.

Future Prospects for the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai

Looking ahead to the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, the “Ura Expo” area will be the perfect opportunity to showcase its attractions to the world during the Expo. This area aims to bring new Osaka attractions to visitors through initiatives that allow them to experience the local culture and vibrancy.