The 2025 World Exposition opens six months from now in Osaka, western Japan. Organizers face the challenge of generating public interest amid slow ticket sales.
About 160 countries and territories are due to join the event, based on the theme of “designing future society for our lives.” It will last six months from April 13, 2025.
Concerns had been raised over delays in construction. Work is now at its peak for more than 70 buildings planned by participating countries and companies.
The Grand Roof, also known as the Ring, is set for completion by February. It’s expected to be one of the largest wooden structures in the world.
Organizers say around 7.1 million advance tickets were sold as of Wednesday, around half their target of 14 million.
Bookings of visit dates and time slots begin on Sunday. Convenience stores will also start selling paper tickets for reservation-free admission during off-peak periods.