The organizer of the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka will soon hold a meeting with participating countries to discuss how they can smoothly prepare for the event as a number of countries are behind schedule in building their pavilions.
A total of 153 countries have signed up to participate in the expo, and 60 of them had initially planned to finance the construction of their pavilions.
But it has come to light that preparations are behind schedule amid a surge in the prices of construction materials. More than half of the countries have yet to decide on a pavilion construction company.
Mexico has notified the Japanese side that it is withdrawing from the event, citing its inability to decide on a budget due to the country's upcoming presidential election. Mexico was the first country to notify its withdrawal.
The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition says it will prepare for the assembly of 25 prefabricated buildings for countries whose preparations are behind schedule. It says it plans to start construction of the prefabricated buildings as soon as it receives requests.
At the meeting with participants to be held in Osaka, the organizer will provide information on pavilion construction, including firms that handle interior decorations and exhibits.
It will also explain how it will help staff, who are in charge of preparations and running of the event, find dormitories.
With less than 18 months to go before the expo opens, the organizer is facing the challenge of providing adequate support for participants as their needs and preparation status are varied.