Case study: A deep dive into Japan’s preparations for natural disasters at 2025 World Expo

With its history of seismic activity, typhoons, and other natural hazards, Japan has long been at the forefront of disaster preparedness.

The 2025 World Expo, officially known as Expo 2025, will be held in Osaka, Japan.

The event will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025, and is expected to draw millions of visitors from around the globe.

The theme for the Expo is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” focusing on innovation and sustainability. The venue for the Expo will be the Expo 2025 Osaka Site, located on Yume Shima Island in Osaka Bay.

As the six-month-long event draws near, the country’s risk management strategies are being put to the test.

Japan is applying its decades of disaster resilience expertise to ensure the World Expo runs smoothly — protecting both visitors and infrastructure in the face of unpredictable challenges.

Inside the disaster plan

The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition has created a detailed disaster prevention plan. This process was created by first forming the Disaster Prevention Basic Plan in December 2023, later revised in August 2024, which would inform the more complete Disaster Prevention Implementation Plan, created in August 2024. 

The Disaster Prevention Basic Plan looked at the scope of the plan, disaster assumptions and damage estimates, preliminary measures and systems, and also the roles of each department within the organiser in the event of a disaster.

In short, this was the “what to do” of the plan.

This led to the Disaster Prevention Implementation Plan which outlined the organisational structure in times of disaster, the operation of the Crisis Management Centre, cooperation and division of roles with relevant institutions, and the countermeasures for each disaster scenario.

Creating Disaster Response Headquarters

In preparation for potential disasters during the World Expo, a dedicated disaster response headquarters will be established under the leadership of the Secretary-General.

The headquarters will be responsible for consolidating disaster-related information from various Bureaus and coordinating response efforts.

In the event of a large-scale disaster, the headquarters will work closely with key organisations such as the national government, Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, and event participants to set response policies and ensure effective coordination.

The disaster response headquarters will only be formed if needed, based on specific criteria for various potential emergencies like earthquakes, tsunamis, and storms.

Type	Establishment standards
Earthquakes / tsunami	- If a seismic intensity of “5 lower” or higher (as announced by the Japan Meteorological Agency) is observed in Osaka City - If a big tsunami warning, a tsunami warning, or a tsunami advisory is issued for Osaka Prefecture - If the Japan Meteorological Agency issues emergency information on a Nankai Trough Earthquake (under investigation, megathrust earthquake attention, or megathrust earthquake alert) - Whenever the Secretary-General deems it necessary
Storms, floods, etc.	- If there is a risk that a typhoon will make landfall or approach Osaka Prefecture, and maximum wind speeds of 30 m/s or more are expected on land within Osaka Prefecture - If an emergency warning is issued for Osaka Prefecture - If it is expected that evacuation indoors will be requested within the venue - Whenever the Secretary-General deems it necessary
Others	- If any other disaster or accident occurs at the venue - Whenever the Secretary-General deems it necessary

“Criteria for Establishing a Disaster Response Headquarters” in Disaster Prevention Implementation Plan for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan

Preparing for earthquakes and tsunami

If an earthquake, such as a Nankai Trough Earthquake, causes significant damage near the venue, the Expo’s Association will activate coordinated efforts with local and national authorities.

The first priority will be to guide visitors to designated temporary shelters, both within the venue and in surrounding areas like Yumeshima, Maishima, and Sakishima.

Emergency supplies will be provided, and safety measures will be implemented across all venues. In the case of transportation disruptions, such as train service suspensions, local authorities will work with the Expo’s team to assist stranded visitors.

To accommodate displaced attendees, temporary lodging will be set up in available facilities, including event spaces, pavilions, and rest areas, subject to safety checks. Shuttle buses and private cars will also be mobilised to transport people in need. Special arrangements will be made for people with special needs, ensuring that suitable facilities are available for their comfort and safety.

The response plan ensures that all facilities, from the Expo venue to nearby areas, operate efficiently and are managed by experienced personnel. The Association will collaborate with the Crisis Management Center to keep visitors informed of disaster updates and assist with safe routes for returning home.

In the event of a tsunami warning or advisory issued for Osaka Prefecture, the first step will be to maintain calm and prevent panic, with clear guidance on how to proceed. Visitors will be instructed to remain within the venue temporarily, as it may be unsafe to evacuate until the extent of the surrounding damage and the status of transportation routes are fully assessed.

For those in the Expo parking lots in Sakai and Amagasaki, areas expected to be affected by potential inundation, the Association will guide individuals to designated evacuation points using local hazard maps.

Additionally, visitors will be kept informed through regular updates on the tsunami warning and any disruptions to access routes, including information on how to stay safe or return home.

Preparing for storms and floods

With the Expo falling during typhoon season, the Association has a clear strategy to manage the risks of storms and floods. If a typhoon is forecast to impact the venue, operational changes may include cancelling outdoor events, reducing opening hours, or closing the venue to protect visitors.

Access routes will be monitored, with updates from organisations like the Osaka Ports Bureau and Osaka Metro on potential disruptions. In high winds, items such as tents and chairs will be secured, and access to dangerous areas, like the Grand Roof, will be restricted. 

In heavy rain, the venue will be patrolled to identify hazards, and flood prevention measures like sandbags will be implemented. Evacuations will occur if necessary, particularly in areas prone to flooding. Additionally, high tide and wave conditions will be closely monitored, with evacuation guidance issued if risk is confirmed.

Stockpiling items

To ensure visitor safety during a disaster, the Association will stockpile essential items for up to three days, in line with disaster management guidelines. With an expected 150,000 people potentially stranded during a major earthquake like the Nankai Trough Earthquake, 600,000 meals will be on hand, with additional food sourced from venue restaurants.

The stockpile will be managed at dedicated warehouses within the venue, with preparations for quick distribution via transport vehicles. The Association will coordinate in advance with Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City to ensure a smooth process, including relief supplies if local resources run low.

If needed, the Association will instruct participants, including restaurants, to assist by providing food and beverages. Emergency communications, such as digital signage and the visitor app, will keep the public informed on distribution points.

Item	Quantity
Staple food (e.g. rice)	600,000 meals
Drinking water	1,900,000 bottles
Milk for infants	5,000 litres
Mats	15,000
Thermal insulation sheet	150,000 sheets
Portable toilet	1,950,000 collection bags
Toilet paper	17,000 rolls
Diaper (for children/adults)	112,000
Sanitary napkin	88,000 pieces
First aid kit	100 boxes

“Main Stockpiled Items and Their Quantities” in Disaster Prevention Implementation Plan for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

As Japan gears up for the 2025 World Expo, the country is putting its disaster preparedness expertise to the test. With plans in place for everything from earthquakes to typhoons, the Expo organisers are prioritising safety, with stockpiles of essential supplies and well-coordinated teams ready to act.

Whether it’s guiding visitors to safety or keeping them informed, Japan’s proactive approach aims to ensure the event goes off without a hitch, no matter what nature throws its way.