TOKYO: WAKAMIYA Kenji, Japanese minister for the 2025 World Exposition in the western Japan city of Osaka, on Friday announced the cancellation of his plan to visit the United Arab Emirates for upcoming “Japan Day” during the ongoing Dubai Expo.

He made the decision as the omicron variant of the novel coronavirus is starting to spread around the world.

“I had keenly wanted to visit (the Dubai Expo). But I have decided to give up on the idea in light of the impact of the spread of the new variant,” Wakamiya told a press conference.

On Japan Day, set for Dec. 11, events showcasing the country’s culture and technologies will be held throughout the venue of the Dubai Expo.

Japan had planned to take advantage of Japan Day to step up its efforts to invite countries and organizations to take part in the 2025 Expo, to be held on Yumeshima, an manmade island in Osaka.

Hirofumi Yoshimura, governor of Osaka Prefecture, has also withdrawn his plan to visit the Dubai Expo for Japan Day due to concern over the omicron variant.

JIJI Press