Vol. 43: FROM THE EDITOR

International expositions are held in accordance with the Convention Relating to International Exhibitions, signed in Paris back in 1928. There are two types: registered expositions and recognized expositions (formerly “general” or “specialized” expositions), with the registered expositions being larger. Expo 70 in Osaka and Expo 2005 in Aichi both fell into this category, and the third such event to be held in Japan is Expo 2025 in Osaka.

The event has had its fair share of problems. There have been repeated blowouts in construction costs due to soaring material and labor costs, several of the overseas pavilions are facing construction delays and others have withdrawn entirely. … And yet there has been some positive news, such as Ukraine, although suffering from Russia’s military aggression, officially announcing its participation this month.

The venue is contained within a giant circular wooden structure called the Grand Roof (Ring), some 2 kilometers in circumference. All the foreign pavilions are inside this circle, embodying the notion of “the world as one.” But will the world really be able to unite as one and set aside national interests? So-called expo diplomacy will no doubt play out during the event. We look forward to seeing if it works.