ITER says goodbye after 184 days, 2 million visitors
The World Expo in Osaka, Japan, has closed its gates after six months and more than 28 million total visitors, 2 million of whom stopped by the ITER stand.
There were a lot of handshakes and some shoulder clapping in the big auditorium where EXPO 2025 staff had assembled for the closing ceremony that marked the last push across the finish line. Relief was in the air but also a sensation of accomplishment and pride. No one had foretold the crowds that appeared at the Expo site every day by the hundreds of thousands, stoically waiting in queues for up to five hours to enter one of the pavilions, including on the hottest or most inclement days. All to experience different cultures, discover diverse national heritages, or learn about new technical developments—sensations that smartphones or social media cannot provide.
In an impressive closing ceremony, the baton was passed to Belgrade, Serbia, where the next World Expo will be organized in 2027.
Au revoir Osaka!
