Visitors and Organizers Battle Extreme Heat and Humidity

On June 18th, visitors to the Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 were observed using umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun's intense rays. The event, held in Osaka, saw many attendees struggling with the combined effects of extreme heat and humidity.

The challenge of navigating the world's fairgrounds safely, especially given Osaka's higher temperatures compared to Tokyo, is a significant concern for both visitors and the event organizers. The city experienced a high of 34.1 degrees Celsius on the specified date, marking the year's highest temperature.

Rest areas were crowded with people seeking respite from the heat. One Osaka resident, in her 50s, arrived at a misting fan site, having anticipated the challenging weather conditions. Despite bringing an umbrella, sunglasses, and frozen tea, she found the heat overwhelming. A family from Tottori Prefecture also struggled, attempting to stay in the shade of the Grand Ring, the expo's symbol, with limited success.

The maximum temperature in Osaka had exceeded 30 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days, with forecasts predicting continued high temperatures for the following week. Several visitors were suspected of suffering from heatstroke and required medical attention.

Last summer, Osaka's average temperature was 28 degrees Celsius, exceeding Tokyo's average. The city recorded 41 "extremely hot days" with temperatures at or above 35 degrees Celsius.

The expo organizers have implemented various heat countermeasures, including parasols, mist fans, and spot air conditioners. They have also created shaded areas and provide alerts to visitors. Jun Takashina, an executive of the association, acknowledged that their efforts might not always be sufficient and emphasized their commitment to continuous improvement and caution.