After 17 FRIDAY Encounters, Yoshimoto’s Kingpin Finally Speaks on Osaka Expo’s Results

Shouts of anger echoed throughout the venue

The Osaka–Kansai Expo came to a close on a high note, with total attendance surpassing 25 million visitors. On the final day, October 13, about 210,000 people visited the venue. By 9 a.m., when a FRIDAY Digital reporter arrived, many attendees were already reserving spots to watch the evening’s closing ceremony. Popular pavilions such as those from the U.S., Hungary, and Kuwait drew massive lines — the Italy Pavilion saw waits of up to eight hours, and nearby walkways were packed wall to wall with people.

Around 8 p.m., the closing event began at the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion. As thousands gathered to catch a glimpse of the special live performance by Kobukuro, they collided with crowds leaving after the fireworks, fountain, and drone shows — creating a scene so chaotic that a crush nearly occurred.

“The venue was near the East Gate, the main exit. People leaving and those trying to watch the event pushed in from both sides, and scuffles broke out everywhere. Shouting echoed through the area — it was genuinely dangerous. A man near me yelled, ‘Why would they hold an event right when everyone’s trying to leave?!’” (Male spectator in his 40s)

The pavilions, too, were filled with energy.

“People were blasting music, drinking, and partying loudly. From what I saw, the Brazil, Portugal, Canada, and Italy pavilions were the most lively,” said an Expo staff member.

While the reporter was changing his camera battery under the Grand Roof Ring, a man appeared beside him — it was Hiroshi Ōsaki (72), the former chairman of Yoshimoto Kogyo. Known as the man who discovered and nurtured Downtown from obscurity into superstardom, Ōsaki is often called the Don of Yoshimoto. As co-chair of the Osaka–Kansai Expo 2025 Event Planning Committee, he had been deeply involved in making the Expo a success. On the Expo’s final day, what was on his mind?

Make sure you write it so I sound smart

—“This is FRIDAY Digital.”

“Ah, this makes it the 17th time FRIDAY has ambushed me. You guys always twist my words, so I’m not a fan of this!”

—“Please don’t say that. Tell us how you feel now that the Expo has come to an end.”

“I think it became an Expo that made Japanese kids more aware of the world. Just seeing the pavilion structures from the outside, or going inside and interacting with people from all over the world — through that exchange, I think they could also rediscover how wonderful Japan is. Make sure you write it so I sound smart, okay? (laughs)”

—“Which pavilion stood out to you the most?”

“Earth Mart, produced by Kundo Koyama. That one was the best. The way they presented food as a theme was impressive. Also, Professor Yoshiki Sawa’s iPS heart exhibit at the Pasona Pavilion was great too. Looking at the visitor surveys, many people said they enjoyed the events most.

As co-chair of the Expo Event Planning Committee, I helped organize those events, so that made me happy. This time, we focused on interactive experiences — things people could physically touch and enjoy while talking with one another. Especially for kids, analog experiences like that are really important.”

—“Do you think live stages where comedians can interact directly with audiences are also important?”

“I hardly keep in touch with Yoshimoto anymore, but I heard they held karaoke contests where the comedians and regular visitors sang together at the Expo. In the end, human connection is all about being analog.”

With that, Ōsaki smiled and said, “I’ve got to go now,” before walking away — his expression one of clear satisfaction.