People walk around the venue for the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai in Osaka’s Konohana Ward on April 13, 2025, the opening day of the event. (Mainichi/Rintaro Nagasawa)
TOKYO — The Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is promoting itself as an “Expo with no waiting lines” by pushing for digitalization throughout the venue. However, since the event started on April 13, some visitors have reportedly faced issues from their smartphones running out of power due to heavy usage.
Everything relies on smartphones
“Everything from entry to shopping requires a smartphone. It’s crazy how fast the battery drains when also taking a lot of photos and videos,” is one comment among other such posts appearing on social media.
On the day they visit the venue, individuals must present a QR code containing ticket information at the entrance gates as well as at pavilion events. Many people also use official apps downloaded on their smartphones to view a map of the area.
Furthermore, the Expo site has introduced a fully cashless system for the first time in its history, touting that it is a “laboratory for future society.” About 70 types of payment methods including credit cards, electronic money and QR code-based payments are available, but visitors cannot pay using cash.
On top of that, smartphone batteries can deplete rapidly when people keep taking pictures and posting them on social media.
People wait at the East Gate of the venue to enter Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai in Osaka’s Konohana Ward on April 13, 2025, the opening day of the event. Those at the East Gate were hit with network problems. (Mainichi/Ririn Iitsuka)
The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, which manages the event, is aware of concerns related to charging phones.
A spokesperson stated, “There are shops near the east and west gates offering mobile battery rentals and sales. While there are several spots to charge your phone inside the venue, they may be crowded and unavailable. At the moment, we recommend you bring a mobile battery.”
Analog preparations also advised
On its official website, organizers advise visitors, “In addition to showing the QR code on your smartphone, it is recommended to also print it out or save a screenshot and bring it with you in case of problems such as battery or connectivity issues.”
In fact, on the opening day of the Expo on April 13, a network issue occurred near the entrance gate, causing trouble which made it difficult for people to display the QR codes on their phones.
As a result, social media users have been encouraging others to make “analog-style preparations” saying, “Printing the entrance ticket QR codes and a map is recommended as it can significantly reduce stress,” and, “You should carry a few 1,000-yen bills and coins to help in situations where you can’t pay using electronic money.”
Those who have already experienced the event are also sharing useful information on social media. For example, one person recommended bringing sunscreen and cooling towels, warning about the heat and sun exposure. Another person suggested that “bringing a picnic blanket is the way to go,” as visitors are allowed to bring in food and beverages from outside the venue.
In addition to reviewing the rules and notices on the event’s official website, it may be useful for those planning to attend to check social media for firsthand experiences and practical tips.
(Japanese original by Akiko Yamazaki, Digital News Group)
AloJapan.com