Overview

• Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized the Expo's theme of global unity in a divided world, addressing conflicts and trade tensions at the opening ceremony.
• The event features participation from over 150 countries and showcases innovations like a Mars meteorite and a stem cell-grown beating heart.
• The iconic 'Grand Ring,' the world's largest wooden architectural structure, symbolizes unity and encircles the venue's 150 pavilions.
• Organizers face hurdles including slower-than-expected ticket sales, with 9 million pre-sold tickets falling short of the 14 million target, and escalating costs doubling to ¥235 billion.
• Heightened security was demonstrated when a suspicious package at Kyoto train station prompted a bomb squad response, later deemed a false alarm.