Questioning the Satisfactory Condition of the World Expo in Osaka
The construction costs for the upcoming Kansai-Osaka Expo, scheduled for 2025, have become a cause for concern among women in their 40s in the Osaka region. The expenses have been steadily increasing, leaving many questioning the feasibility and transparency of the project.
Initially, the planned budget was set at 125 billion yen, but as of September, it has skyrocketed to around 230 billion yen – a staggering 1.8 times the original estimate. This alarming upward trend has prompted doubts about the accuracy and reliability of the initial budget.
Various factors have contributed to this significant cost escalation, including the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war leading to rising material expenses, labor shortages, and the devaluation of the yen. The situation resembles the trajectory of the Tokyo Olympics, adding to the frustration expressed by concerned individuals.
The lack of transparency surrounding the allocation of funds has also left citizens feeling disconnected from the decision-making process. It is essential for the Expo Association to address these concerns and provide a clearer picture to the public.
While the government has reassured the public that it will address the cost increase, there is still a sense of unease among taxpayers who question how their money is being utilized.
Ensuring Accountability and Transparency
It is imperative that the parties involved, including the national government, Osaka prefecture and city, and the Kansai business community, take responsibility in a transparent manner. Moreover, the Expo Association must thoroughly review and scrutinize construction costs to prevent further unwarranted spikes.
As the countdown to the World Expo in Osaka continues, it is crucial that these financial concerns are addressed promptly and effectively. Only through openness and accountability can the Expo regain the trust and support of not just women in their 40s but the entire population.
Will the World Expo be held next April in satisfactory condition?
On October 4th, Expo Minister Eiko Jemi attended the presentation of the concept of the private pavilion for the Osaka/Kansai Expo and the official character of the Expo Myak Myaku (Photo: Yoshio Tsunoda / Afro)
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“When I saw the news, all I could do was feel angry and wonder how something like this could happen. My mother friends and I are talking about this issue, but I want them to explain who was in charge of calculating the construction costs. ”I think this is, in a way, a fraudulent act. There are many mom friends who have no expectations for the Expo and think it doesn’t need to happen. I want the Expo returned to them now.”
The reason women in their 40s in Osaka are pouting is because the construction costs of the Kansai-Osaka Expo, scheduled to be held in 2025, have been steadily increasing since the beginning.
This is because it has been agreed that the national government, Osaka prefecture and the city, and the Kansai business community will each bear one third of the cost. Not only the people whose national taxes are used for this, but also the citizens of Osaka, whose public money is invested by the prefecture, and even the citizens of Osaka, whose city taxes get used, are strangers to this matter. It is only natural that we will have to watch the progress of the World Expo closely.
1.8 times more than expected, with the possibility of a further increase
When the application was first made, the planned budget was 125 billion yen. However, in a review in December 2020, the figure suddenly increased to 185 billion yen. Then, in September, it was announced that the amount would increase again to around 230 billion yen. It turned out to be 1.8 times the original plan, highlighting the slipperiness of the initial budget plan.
Furthermore, this is unlikely to be the end of the rise. The Japan World Exhibitions Association (Expo Association) continues to scrutinize construction costs, and there is a possibility that they will increase further.
While the main factors are rising material costs due to the Russia-Ukraine war, labor shortages, and a weak yen, construction costs are rising like an octopus on a string, similar to the Tokyo Olympics. It’s no surprise that mom’s friends express their anger at first.
However, the government says it will respond to the increase. It is difficult for the people to understand the situation in which tax money is poured into the country in this way.
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