OSAKA -- Despite initial skepticism, the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai attracted more than 25 million people in total, according to organizers, and saw a large turnout on the last day on Oct 13, with visitors bidding farewell to the event.

The Osaka Expo, under the theme of "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," has concluded after a 184-day run on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka's Konohana Ward. During the six-month run, visitors and staff interacted with one another, exchanging pins they had obtained from pavilions.

Although there were critical views toward the Expo as "wasteful spending" due to construction cost overruns, some visitors who initially questioned the event's value found their perspectives changed after attending. Konohana Ward local Kuma Tonoo, 23, who visited about 20 times, said, "I had wondered if it was meaningful to hold the event, but I enjoyed learning about countries I'd never heard of. I want to buy some final (Expo official character) Myaku-Myaku merchandise. I wish it could continue longer, but that's also the charm of the Expo."

Akio Sasaki, 66, from Osaka's Sumiyoshi Ward who visited with his wife and eldest son, appreciated the kindness of fellow attendees. Sasaki, a wheelchair user, recounted a previous visit where he got stuck in an unpaved path leading to the restroom. A couple helped push his wheelchair and guided him, a gesture that he thought resonated with the Expo's theme. He found navigating the venue manageable and enjoyed the Expo, saying, "I want to experience the final day's atmosphere."

Various events were held on the last day. In the evening, a parade featuring people carrying flags of participating countries and regions took place within the venue. Approximately 350 participants, including flag bearers, Myaku-Myaku and a high school brass band, marched.

The parade began shortly after 4 p.m. in front of the west gate, passing under the 2-kilometer-long Grand Ring, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's largest wooden structure, and proceeded to the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion. Spectators enthusiastically waved and took photos.

(Japanese original by Haruno Kosaka, Mizuki Hayashi, Yoko Kunimoto and Kenta Sunaoshi, Osaka City News Department; and Rihi Anzai, Wakayama Bureau)

'I had wondered if it was meaningful, but ...': Visitors enjoy last day of Osaka Expo