Mixed Reactions at Osaka/Kansai Expo: Sleeping in Smoking Areas and Complaints Over Handwashing Stations
The “Unexpected Pavilion” with the most visitors lined up
On April 13, the Osaka/Kansai Expo finally opened. In the previous article, we covered popular pavilions and provided detailed reports on the convenience stores and food courts. Later, around 8:00 p.m., a reporter from Friday Digital visited the Australia Pavilion. Australia’s pavilion is a type A pavilion (where participating countries are responsible for construction), which had faced significant delays in construction prior to the opening.
The Pavilion of Type A was only 12 out of 42 completed as of March 14. The contractors were instructed by the organizers, “Make sure the exterior is ready before the opening, and finish the interior after it opens.” They continued with emergency construction around the clock, and somehow, 90% of the pavilions were ready by the opening. (Expo official)
Australia was the only pavilion where the reporter could make a reservation in advance. Exhibits featuring eucalyptus trees were lined up, and on the large screen in the back, videos showcasing Australia’s forests, seas, and nature were displayed. Families with young children, as well as elderly visitors, were all enjoying the large screen’s footage.
On this day, the longest line the reporter stood in was for purchasing coffee from the Republic of Burundi, located in Commons A. With more than half of the country’s population involved in the coffee industry, people were lining up to try authentic coffee. By the time the reporter finally got the coffee, an hour had passed since they started waiting. The coffee and canelé parfait cost over 2,200 yen. Upon tasting, the fruity sweetness spread in the mouth first, followed by the bitterness that came later. Other customers around also praised the coffee, saying, “It’s delicious.” Although it was certainly not cheap, the line never stopped.
After 9 p.m., the reporter headed to the smoking area located outside the venue. Perhaps because it was nearing closing time, the smoking area was surprisingly empty, but there were people sitting on the ground and some who were so exhausted they had fallen asleep. One male visitor shared his thoughts:
“The venue is completely non-smoking, so I have to step outside to smoke and re-enter. It’s inconvenient.”
A man in his 30s shared another story:
“The washbasins in the restrooms inside the venue focus too much on design and lack practicality. The water from washing hands falls directly onto the floor and flows into the drain, but every time the water hits the floor, splashes get on my shoes and pants. Several people were angry, saying, ‘Why is this the design? My shoes are wet now!'”
Since the opening, the Osaka-Kansai Expo has been surrounded by mixed opinions. What kind of finale will it have in six months?
PHOTO： Kei Kato
