Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The official opening ceremony of the Osaka-Kansai Expo took place on Saturday, but elements of the Japanese media were still focusing on problems at the government-backed event such as pavilions that haven’t been finished, methane gas leaks and denying access to the Communist Party newspaper.

The Japan Association for the Exposition announced that the pavilions of five countries – India, Chile, Nepal, Vietnam, and Brunei – would not be ready for opening day (Sunday) due to reasons such as the interior construction not being completed.

The Communist Party’s newspaper Shinbun Akahata has reported being denied coverage by the Japan Association for the International Exposition in Osaka-Kansai, including not being issued press passes.

Akahata has not endeared itself to the organizers by calling for the cancellation of the Expo due to issues such as detecting methane gas at the venue.

On Friday, the party’s House of Representatives member Tatsumi Kotaro asked the government’s opinion at the House of Representatives Committee on Economy, Trade, and Industry, stating: “Akahata and freelance journalists are being excluded.”

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry MUTO Yoji responded by pointing out that there is a ban on reporting that is used “for specific political, ideological, religious or other activities.” He suggested that Akahata reporters buy a ticket to the event.

Daily Sports reported that Osaka Governor YOSHIMURA Hirofumi admitted there had been criticism but vowed, “From now on it’s going to be different! We’re going to fight back.”

The paper said, “Reports pointing out problems are coming in one after another.” One involved the lack of privacy in children’s toilets as some do not have partitions. Yoshimura responded that as the Expo hadn’t opened, they were still carrying out trials to test the facilities.

J-Cast News reported on the potential danger of methane at the Expo site. It revealed that methane gas was detected at the Green World construction site on the west side of the venue in concentrations that could cause an explosion if ignited. A-manhole had its cover open and was fenced off, raising serious safety concerns.

The Expo site is on reclaimed land and in some areas, methane gas is being generated due to the reclamation of waste and other materials.

In March 2024, a methane gas explosion occurred at a toilet construction site in the Green World construction area on the west side of the site. The fire department also detected methane gas exceeding the minimum concentration in the area.

A representative from the Japan Association for the International Exposition, which manages the Expo, said, “We can’t say anything for sure as we don’t have the facts or information.” Concentrations of methane gas that could cause an explosion if ignited were detected at the venue earlier this month.

Meanwhile, smoking cigarettes is completely prohibited inside the Expo. Smokers can use two smoking areas outside the venue.