Photo/Illutration Construction work continues on a pavilion for the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo. (Yoshinori Mizuno)

Mexico is among a small number of nations that have let it be known through diplomatic channels that they intend to withdraw from the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo due to the high cost of erecting pavilions.

This event has been plagued by rising construction costs as well as delays in foreign nations signing contracts for pavilion construction.

A source with the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition said the Mexican government is strapped for cash because of a presidential election scheduled for next year.

The names of the other nations also thinking about withdrawing were not divulged.

Pavilions constructed by other nations have always been a major draw at past world expos because the structures often boast complicated designs to highlight the best of their cultural traditions.

An expo featuring fewer nations would likely result in fewer visitors.

Sixty nations to date have indicated plans to construct 56 so-called Type A pavilions. Five Northern European nations plan to build a pavilion together.

Mexico was one of the nations that had initially considered building a Type A pavilion.

But so far, only 24 nations with Type A pavilion plans have picked a construction company to complete their dream project.

The economy ministry is working with the Foreign Ministry to directly lobby foreign governments to urge them to speed up the process.

“There is a wide gap between the amount participating nations can pay and what construction companies want to request because of surging materials costs,” said an economy ministry source.

The Japan Association has also been urging foreign nations to abandon Type A pavilion plans for cheaper alternatives, but so far only four have done so.

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