World Expo in Japan refuses to expand space for prayers

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) – Organizers of the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan refused to extend additional space for prayer rooms for Muslims and followers of other faiths, citing space limitations, Kyodo News reported on Monday.

There is reportedly only one prayer room available, and it is not designated for a specific faith, which is likely to fall short of the event's needs, with nearly 3.5 million worldwide visitors expected during the six-month expo.

The total capacity of the planned room is currently undisclosed, but an official said the room is likely to accommodate only around a dozen people.

Expo organizers said a prayer room will be set up in a rest area at the venue, with separate spaces for male and female visitors. Prayer mats will also be provided for Muslim worshippers.

Japan's Economy, Trade, and Industry Ministry predicts that approximately 85% of the expected foreign visitors will come from Asia, which is home to a large Muslim population.

In January, an Indonesian reporter asked the expo organizer to introduce mobile mosques, but a senior official refused, saying that there was "no space."

"Worship is indispensable for Muslims,” said the reporter, adding that it is “disappointing” that providing adequate prayer space was not taken into consideration.

The World Expo in Osaka will be held for six months in 2025, running from April 13 to Oct. 13, according to its official website.