June 19, 2026

It was revealed on June 11 that the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition had solicited construction contractors without disclosing the risk of non-payment, despite being aware of it.

At a meeting of the House of Councillors Cabinet Committee, a senior official of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) acknowledged that the ministry was aware of the risk of non-payment of construction costs for the Expo. The official effectively admitted that this risk had not been explained to subcontracted construction firms. This admission came out in response to questioning by Japanese Communist Party lawmaker Daimon Mikishi.

Daimon stated that under the Construction Industry Act, the national and local governments are responsible for providing guidance and supervision to the Expo Association which was established in collaboration with the business community. He added that as the interested party that solicited construction contractors, the Expo Association itself should assume its legal liability.

Daimon pointed out, “Soliciting contractors to build foreign pavilions while concealing this risk violates Article 1 of the Civil Code which addresses the failure to disclose intentional misrepresentation of material facts in contracts. The association should bear legal responsibility in addition to its moral and social responsibilities.”

He demanded that the government, as a member of the association, take remedial measures for affected construction contractors, subcontractors, and builders.

Eight months have passed since the Expo closed, yet the issue of unpaid construction fees remains unresolved. According to figures compiled by an association representing the affected companies, a total of over one billion yen in unpaid fees is owed to more than 30 subcontractors.

Past related article:
> Over 33K signatures calling for solving issue of unpaid Expo construction costs submitted [June 11, 2026]