Masayoshi matsumoto biography of michaels

Japan's Kansai region is hosting the international Osaka-Kansai Expo , a six-month event starting April 13, Initial plans were impacted by the COVID pandemic, followed by the war in Ukraine and the rise in construction costs. However, progress toward completing the massive project is proceeding more smoothly now. 

With one year to go, The Sankei Shimbun and JAPAN Forward sat down with Masayoshi Matsumoto, Deputy Chair of the event and chairman of the Kansai Economic Federation, to better understand where the project stands. He shared the participants' deep sense of excitement as the event approaches. 

Excerpts follow.

Observing Expo's Development from the Start

I have been involved in the Osaka-Kansai Expo journey since the early bidding stages. It is deeply moving to realize we are finally just a year away from the grand opening. 

Along the way, we have witnessed societal shifts and faced skepticism about hosting the event. Ne