Photo/Illutration People standing on the Grand Ring sing Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in chorus at Yumeshima in Osaka on April 13. (Toshiyuki Hayashi)

Rain and long lines failed to dampen the enthusiasm as excited crowds of Japanese and international visitors flocked to the Osaka Expo’s opening of its six-month run on Yumeshima island in Osaka.

People heading to the world’s fair caused congestion on public transportation and in front of the venue from early morning onward on April 13.

A long line formed at the east gate of the venue, which is the gate closest to Yumeshima Station.

A 52-year-old man from Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture, arrived there around 10 a.m. on April 12, the day before the opening.

He received the No. 1 admission ticket on the evening of April 12.

“I’m so excited,” he said as the opening time approached, despite being tired from waiting outside.

As soon as the gates opened at 9 a.m., visitors flooded into the venue. Some people even pumped their fists, jumped and sprinted into the site.

Soon after the opening, about 10,000 people stood on and around the Grand Ring, the symbolic roof of the expo, and started to sing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. 

Yutaka Sado, a Japanese conductor and ambassador of the expo, conducted the stirring orchestral work.

“Even Beethoven would be surprised to see us,” Sado said.

The pavilions of participant countries and regions were extremely popular.

At the pavilion of the United States, staff welcomed visitors with a “Hello,” a high five and a smile.

At France’s pavilion, an opening ceremony was held, where actor Sophie Marceau appeared. She told the audience that she has had deep connections to Japan since her debut and has had special attachment to it.

Marceau has been popular in Japan since she appeared in the blockbuster film “La Boum” in 1980.

DON’T RAIN ON MY PARADE

However, the venue was plagued by intermittent rain on the opening day.

A planned aerobatic flight show by the Air Self-Defense Force’s Blue Impulse aircraft had to be canceled because of the weather.

The area under the Grand Ring was sometimes very crowded with visitors seeking shelter from the rain.

Meanwhile, anti-expo protesters took to the streets near the venue. They formed a long line chanting, “No expo, fund welfare! No casino, either,” as the city and prefecture plan to open the nation's first casino on the island in 2030. 

The expo’s “no waiting lines” initiative also didn’t work well as confusion arose.

Visitors are required to make reservations in advance and present their QR codes at the entrance.

However, an announcement reported that the internet connection was poor near the east gate. This may have impacted the flow of entry, and some people waited in line for two hours to enter.

Long lines also formed at restaurants, convenience stores and souvenir shops. At Maneki Foods Co.’s restaurant, about 100 people waited in lines to buy bento lunch boxes or to dine in.

When the rain grew heavy after 2 p.m., many visitors decided to leave and flocked to Yumeshima Station. The station stairs were wet from the rain, causing some people to fall while others held on to the handrails for support.

Entry to the station was temporarily restricted due to the overwhelming crowds.

WARM GLOW IN THE NIGHT

The venue looked different at night. Illumination of the Grand Ring started at around 6 p.m.

The ring was bathed in warm light, highlighting the unique wood grain of each pillar and many visitors took photos with their smartphones.

“The fantastical sight of the Grand Ring was even more wonderful than I had imagined. I want to visit again and explore the Japanese pavilions,” said a 33-year-old corporate worker from Yamaguchi Prefecture, who had mainly visited the pavilions of other participant countries.

The expo showcases exhibitions of the cultures, histories and economies of 158 countries and regions at more than 80 pavilions. The number of participating countries and regions is larger than any other world’s fair held in Japan previously. 

The expo’s theme is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” It will run through Oct. 13.

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