PRESS CONFERENCE
"Unpaid Bills at the Osaka-Kansai Expo"
Takaseki Chihiro, business owner
Kishida Munesirou, business owner
Nishitani Fumikazu, journalist

11:00-12:00 Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Language: The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation.

When the Osaka World Expo ended on October 13, the organizers hailed it as a major success. But one group involved contends that a major problem remains unresolved. At least 38 Japanese construction companies that worked as contractors in building pavilions say that they have not been paid for their work. Their claims cover the construction costs of the pavilions of 11 nations, including the United States, Germany, Romania, Serbia and Malta.

The companies, without whom these pavilions could not have been completed on time, say they have been left carrying a tab worth several million dollars. Legal action is underway, but many of the companies are small and at risk of bankruptcy. The owners of two of these companies will come and give their versions of what happened. Journalist Nishitani Fumikazu, who has investigated the issue, will also join to explain what he has learned and give context. The speakers are also concerned that the problem be repeated as Japan prepares to host other international events that in some cases involved the same foreign companies that are accused of not paying their Expo bills.

Please come to hear about problems that threaten to mar an otherwise highly successful global event.

How to attend: 
Please register by emailing front@fccj.or.jp with your name and the name of your media outlet. FCCJ members should also include their membership number. Doors will open 15 minutes before the event.

How to watch online: https://www.youtube.com/c/FCCJchannel/live  

How to ask questions: https://forms.gle/ZNJzpgHnkpuUWiZDA

TV crew: Please make a reservation at front@fccj.or.jp. Doors open for TV crews only at 30 minutes before the event. FCCJ will limit live-streaming of FCCJ-hosted press conferences to Club members only. Non-members will no longer be permitted to live-stream these events. However, non-members may still film for reporting purposes and use footage after the press conference.

Professional Activities Committee