Nipponica

The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition on Aug. 11 announced that a total of 18,095,703 tickets to the Osaka Expo had been sold as of Aug. 8, surpassing the approximately 18 million tickets set as a guideline for the break-even point for operating expenses.

However, the association has not disclosed the final outlook for profitability of the Expo, which will continue until Oct. 13, as unforeseen expenses could arise due to disasters or other factors.

Even if it doesn’t break even in the end with all expenses, it is a small miracle that it might be able to. World Expos are not money makers these days.

"The most attractive part is the kindness of Japanese people," Galata said, adding he has been particularly impressed by the well-maintained roads, packaging for onigiri rice balls sold at convenience stores, and how he was served at restaurants.

These kinds of puff pieces are typical, but I am fascinated that onigiri packaging is in the top three for this guy's Japan loves. Too much tuna mayo can rot the brain.