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Gianni Simone's avatar

If you want compare Osaka 1970 with the current Expo, here's an interview with a guy who visited the old one 18 times and has been part of the organizing committee for the new one:

https://giannisimone.substack.com/p/osaka-expo-memories-and-hopes

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Miki’s Japan Wellness Lab's avatar

Thank you for sharing the post! Reading Hashizume-sann's memories of Expo ’70 was actually like time-traveling to a Japan bursting with optimism. Back then, I think the Expo symbolized national pride, unity, and a shared dream of rejoining the global community after the war.

While I wasn’t born in time for Expo ’70, I’ve basically grown up at the Banpaku site—running around the park almost every weekend since I live so close by. So this next Expo feels personal, too.

That said, I think it’s true the mood today is a little different. There’s a lot of skepticism about Expo 2025—overspending, construction delays, and whether it’s even relevant anymore. I get it. For many of us, the Expo feels more like a fun festival than a grand national project.

But I still love the idea of people from all over the world gathering here in Osaka again. Even if it’s not the same as 1970, I hope we can still find moments that spark wonder, curiosity, and connection!

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Gianni Simone's avatar

To be sure, looking at the sunny side of life is good for our mind and body!

Do you still live in Osaka?

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Miki’s Japan Wellness Lab's avatar

Yes, for sure! I'm currently in Hungary finishing up my studies, but I’ll be back in Osaka this May, and after graduation in June, I’ll be based in Japan. I’ll probably split my time between Osaka and Tokyo!

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Gianni Simone's avatar

Wow, you sure are busy! I wish you all the best for your future projects.

I've been to Osaka for the first time in January. I only stayed for two days but I liked what I saw. It definitely has a different vibe from Tokyo.

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Miki’s Japan Wellness Lab's avatar

Thank you!

I feel the same about the vibe in Osaka and Tokyo. In Osaka, people can look a bit scary at first, but they’re actually really friendly. In Tokyo, I always feel like everyone’s in a rush and super busy all the time

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Kristina Volchek 👩‍💻☕️'s avatar

We're heading to Osaka next week, excited to go through your recommendations 🤩

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Miki’s Japan Wellness Lab's avatar

Wow, that’s amazing!!

Since it’s still the opening week, I heard it’s been pretty crowded. A friend of mine went today and said some of the popular spots filled up within 10 minutes of entering! Not sure how it’ll be next week, but it might still be busy—so I’d definitely recommend doing a bit more research and having a rough plan of where you want to go beforehand!

I would love to know how it was after you visit EXPO!

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Kristina Volchek 👩‍💻☕️'s avatar

Thanks for the heads-up! I'll definitely plan priorities for this. And I'll let you know how it went. 😊

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Lohithaksha Sreedharan's avatar

I am so happy to see you mention Natureverse! I actually work for the same company, and I had the opportunity to attend a session by the Doctor pioneering iPS heart. I am so looking forward to learn about your business at our pavillion! I'll be visiting the Expo this weekend most probably!

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Miki’s Japan Wellness Lab's avatar

Thank you so much for your comment! That’s amazing that you work at Natureverse! I’ll be having a meeting soon about the way I will be able to share my business at the pavilion, so I’m really excited. I’ll be back in Osaka from the end of this month, so I hope I can dive deeper into the Natureverse experience soon too!

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AJ's avatar

This is so helpful - thank you Miki. The Expo wasn’t on my ‘to-do list’ before but it is now! Am particularly intrigued by the Mars meteorite and to see the Grand Ring 🤩 hopefully my next trip to Japan will be during the Expo 🤞

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Miki’s Japan Wellness Lab's avatar

Thank you for your comment! I'm super excited about the Mars meteorite and the Grand Ring too 🤩 I really hope you’ll get the chance to visit—if you do, definitely let me know what it’s like!

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