MARCH 22, 2025 — Flags representing 158 countries, seven international organizations, Japan, and the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) have been raised at the entrance gates of the Expo 2025 in Osaka, says the NHK.
The flags will remain in place until the event concludes in October.
The installation ceremony took place on March 21 at the West Gate of Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka’s Konohana Ward, where shuttle buses will drop off visitors.
The flags, measuring 1.2 meters by 1.8 meters, were arranged in alphabetical order according to country names and organizations, with Japan’s flag, the Hinomaru, raised last.
Each flag is mounted on an 8-meter pole equipped with lighting to illuminate the display after sunset. According to organizers, the flags are made from recyclable polyester, ensuring they can be reused after the Expo’s conclusion.
Similar flags were also installed at the East Gate near the Yumeshima Station on the Osaka Metro Chūō Line.
Expo 2025 is set to open on April 13 and aims to welcome millions of visitors from around the world.
Image: Shimotsuke Shinbun
