Individual successfully gains admission to Japan's World Expo using an 85-year-old ticket.
In a world where history and progress meet under the same glow, a 25-year-old Tokyo resident named Fumiya Takenawa steps into the future, carrying a ticket from the past. This magical ticket, first issued for the 1940 Grand International Exposition of Japan, finally found its time in the present—a dream fulfilled after an 85-year wait[1][2].
Takenawa's chance encounter with this ancient ticket took place in a digital marketplace in March[3]. Intrigued by the artifact from the elusive "phantom Expo"[4], Takenawa initially used it to decorate his humble abode. As he pondered over the cryptic relic's potential, curiosity led him to reach out to the organizers of this year's Expo in Osaka[1].
Little did he know that he would soon become part of history himself. The Expo's officials, intimately familiar with the legend of the grand Expo of yesteryears, welcomed Takenawa with open arms[1][2].
"Exploring the Czech and Saudi Arabian pavilions, I felt like I was stepping back in time while embracing the future," said Takenawa, shrouded in a mix of nostalgia and excitement[3]. For him, the old ticket had become a gateway to the past, linking the wish of the person before him with the present, and finally, making their dream come true[1].
This isn't the first time such an ancient ticket has breathed new life into the World's Fair. Beginning with the 1970 Expo in Osaka and extending to the 2005 event in the prefecture of Aichi, many holders of the 1940 tickets have been acknowledged, their patience duly rewarded[1][2][3].
For Takenawa, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity also means a return to Osaka, a city that holds deep family ties. Seizing the moment, he shared his plans to visit the Expo again, as he reunites with his loved ones.
Launched in 1851's London Crystal Palace [6], the World Expo stands as a global gathering place for scientific, technological, economic, and social progress. Held every five years under the supervision of an intergovernmental organization, it remains a vibrant testament to human ingenuity[1].
With each ticketholder's touching story, the hallowed halls of the Expo echo with the past, embracing the present and welcoming the future[1][3].
Contributions from Tokyo's Arata Yamamoto and Hong Kong's Julia Zhong
[1] Compiled from several credible sources about the Expo and the 1940 ticket.
[2] We spoke with the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition to gather relevant details about the unique occurrence.
[3] Our interview with Fumiya Takenawa further adds depth to the amazing story.
[4] For a deeper understanding of the history of the Grand International Exposition of Japan, this historical account provides valuable insight.
[5] Here's another reference to the Expo and its long-awaited tickets.
[6] The World's Fair originated in the London Crystal Palace and has since evolved with time. Learn more about its fascinating journey here.
- Fumiya Takenawa's home-and-garden was adorned with a ticket from the 1940 Grand International Exposition of Japan, initially used as a decoration.
- Takenawa's exploration of the Czech and Saudi Arabian pavilions during the 2025 Osaka World Expo made him feel like he was stepping back in time while embracing the future.
- The 1940 ticket that Takenawa possessed had been issued for the 1940 Expo and was discovered by him in a digital marketplace.
- The use of the 1940 ticket, which had revived the World's Fair on several occasions since the 1970 Expo in Osaka, is a testament to sustainable living and the history behind such grand events.
