TOKYO, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Japanese government said Thursday it has approved the increased estimate of 235 billion yen (about 1.56 billion U.S. dollars) construction costs for the 2025 World Exposition in the western Japanese city of Osaka.
The new estimate, which has ballooned from the original projection of 125 billion yen, is to be split equally among the central government, the prefectural and city governments of Osaka and the business community, with each shouldering an additional 16.7 billion yen.
The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, the organizer of the event, previously raised the figure to 185 billion yen in December 2020, partly due to the need to strengthen measures against summer heat.
Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura told a press conference that inflated expenses for the venue construction are inevitable for a successful expo given soaring material and labor costs, adding that the government will work to ensure thorough budgetary management and gain the public's understanding.
