The number of countries and regions that have said they will attend the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo has reached the Japanese government's target of 150, sources have said.
Some areas only accepted the invitation informally.
Events to invite other countries and regions to participate in the expo had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but have picked up significantly since spring. Fifty more countries announced their participation in the last six months.
According to the sources, the number of countries and regions had risen to 137 as of Friday, including the United States and China. The target is achieved when undisclosed cases are added.
The government sees the Expo as a catalyst for economic recovery from the pandemic, and hopes to attract foreign tourists who are returning to the country in high numbers. The government will begin planning the construction of pavilions for each country after activities to attract participants have concluded.
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