Photo/Illutration Visitors at the Osaka Kansai Expo flock to the Grand Ring to see a special fireworks show on July 23 in Osaka. (Hiyori Uchiumi)

The organizers of the Osaka Kansai Expo on Aug. 18 announced that ticket sales have crossed the 96.9 billion yen ($656 million) threshold required to cover the event’s operational costs.

According to the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, 18.66 million admission tickets had been sold as of Aug. 15. 

In the operating budget, the association estimated that both revenues and expenses would be 116 billion yen each. Of that, it expected ticket sales would bring in 96.9 billion yen, translating into needing to sell about 18 million tickets to hit this mark.

The association has not disclosed if the balance is in the black or red.

At a news conference on Aug. 18, Hiroyuki Ishige, secretary-general of the association, remained cautious, saying, “I cannot say at this point that we are in the black,” citing that unexpected costs are always possible.

However, several association officials said the books will be in the black if no unforeseen expenses, such as disaster-related ones, arise.

An official confidently said, “There might be a surplus of around 10 billion yen.” 

This apparent turnaround counters the expo's shaky prospects ahead of its opening.

Delays in pavilion construction and announcing exhibition details affected sales and advance tickets reached only about 70 percent of the target amount. 

Concerns also persisted over who would assume fiscal responsibility if the world's fair ended in a deficit.

However, the expo’s reputation improved through word-of-mouth after opening.

The Grand Ring—the symbol of the expo—and the pavilions gradually received positive reviews, leading to increased ticket sales and more visitors. 

Myaku-Myaku's breakout popularity as the event's official mascot has likewise boosted revenues with earnings from souvenir shops and merchandise licensing fees exceeding budget projections.

Although the number of people using the park-and-ride system is lower than anticipated and may result in a loss, it is anticipated that overall profits will cover this deficit.

The expectation of a solid profit has also spread to Osaka prefectural and city governments as well as the business community.

Looking ahead, the main focus will be on how the profits will be used if there is a surplus.

The 1970 Osaka Expo ended with a large surplus, which was used to create a fund dedicated to cultural exchange and global projects.

This time, the prefectural and city governments are considering whether part of the profits can be used to preserve the Grand Ring after the expo ends its six-month run on Oct. 13. 

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