The first day of exchange for unused tickets of Expo 2025, held in Osaka, has witnessed long lines of attendees. This ticket exchange initiative was launched for those who hadn't used their tickets due to unforeseen circumstances. This initiative aims to promote wider participation of the communal event, but the unexpected rush has created traffic congestion and lengthy delays.
In Japan, events like the Expo are taken very seriously, seen as an opportunity to showcase Japan to the world while fostering unity and social interactions domestically. Any initiative that promotes wider participation is usually embraced, albeit, not without its flaws like the congestion witnessed. Expos are part of Japan's cultural value of communal engagement and pride.
In the US or EU, ticket exchange initiatives are not uncommon, especially for large events. However, the crowd control measures are typically more robust to prevent such congestion. Online platforms or designated offices are often used for ticket exchange to circumvent long queues.