Welcome to Japan Trends Watch, our regular series on current topics of interest in Japan. Today, let's take a closer look at some of the major sporting events and exhibitions happening in Japan this year.
Expo 2025 in Osaka (from April to October)
Around 28 million guests are expected to visit Osaka for the 2025 Expo from April 13 to October 13. The expo's theme is "Designing Future Society for Our Lives." During the expo, participants will showcase their countries, organizations, and companies in pavilions built on an artificial island along Osaka Bay.
World Athletics Championships in Tokyo (September)
Tokyo will host the World Athletics Championships in September, marking Japan's first major sporting event since co-hosting the 2023 Basketball World Cup in Okinawa. Top track and field stars from around the world, such as American sprinter Noah Lyles, Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis, and Japanese javelin thrower Haruka Kitaguchi are set to defend their titles.
Local fans will also be there to give their compatriots a home advantage. Athletes looking to give their strongest performance include Ryoichi Akamatsu (high jump), Rachid Muratake (hurdles), and Abdul Hakim Sani Brown (sprint).
Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka (April)
In April, F1 fans will set their sights on Suzuka Circuit as Max Verstappen aims for his fourth straight Japanese GP victory. Powered by Honda engines, Red Bull drivers like Verstappen and Kanagawa native Yuki Tsunoda are expected to receive enthusiastic support from Japanese racing fans.
As the third race of the season, the Japanese GP is poised to set the tone for the championship. Lewis Hamilton will look to establish himself with his new team, Scuderia Ferrari, while Lando Norris hopes to build on his strong 2024 performance with McLaren.
Tokyo Game Show in Chiba (September)
Last year, the Tokyo Game Show was a huge success, driven largely by the announcement of the PlayStation 5 Pro and previews of upcoming games, like Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding 2. With the PS5 Pro set for release this year, we anticipate more video game announcements for the console at this year's event.
In addition to product launches by gaming and tech companies, attendees can look forward to the event's cosplay competition and exciting eSports tournaments.