Passing the Baton of Omotenashi to the Second Osaka Expo
The ROYAL STAGE
Here we present stories set at the Royal in the over 90 years since our founding—the history of the Royal Hotel, episodes depicted in literature and film, and more.
In April, the Japan International Exposition, Osaka-Kansai, 2025 (Expo 2025) will finally be held. This will be the second time an expo is held in Osaka, 55 years after the first time in 1970.
At the Japan World Exposition, Osaka, 1970 (Expo ‘70), the Royal Hotel was responsible for operating the guest house and an “underwater restaurant” that displayed fresh fish, an extreme rarity at the time, and the hotel welcomed guests with the spirit of omotenashi (hospitality) at numerous receptions and dinners. For Expo 2025 too, we will be in charge of guest house operations.
We would like to take this opportunity of participating in another expo in Osaka, the city where we were founded, to showcase some scenes from Expo ‘70.
Expo ‘70 was held for 183 days from March 15 to September 13, 1970 (Showa 45) in Osaka’s Senri Hills area with the theme “Progress and Harmony for Mankind.” It saw participation from 77 countries worldwide and attracted approximately 64.2 million visitors, far exceeding advance predictions. It was truly a major project backed by a unified national effort.
Expo ‘70 became a valuable opportunity to experience the cultures of countries around the world and the cutting-edge technology of the time. Particularly popular was the world cuisine at restaurants in overseas pavilions, operated by staff brought from the home countries.
The Osaka Royal Hotel established an Expo Response Committee in July 1966 (Showa 41), four years before the event. During the expo period, in addition to receiving domestic and international VIPs, the hotel provided services and cuisine at restaurants and reception halls within the expo venue.
Acting as representatives of Japanese hotels, the Osaka Royal Hotel and the International Hotel, Osaka welcomed distinguished guests from approximately 50 countries at the Guest House. They also handled receptions for the resplendent Japan National Day and held a total of 88 National Days and Special Days, including opening and closing receptions hosted by Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The Osaka Royal Hotel also participated in the “Aqua Restaurant,” a facility conceived by Kikkoman Soy Sauce. The innovative design featuring aquariums with fish swimming throughout the restaurant interior was handled by world-renowned interior designer Isamu Kenmochi, and the two aquariums containing 40 tons of seawater with fresh fish such as yellowtail, sea bream, and flounder swimming in them were provided by Kinki University.
The Osaka Royal Hotel devised Western dishes using soy sauce. Their Japanese-style teppanyaki (iron griddle fried) steak enjoyed with three types of soy sauce was a hit, and the Aqua Restaurant was packed to capacity every day. The Guest House was honored with a visit from Crown Prince Akihito and Crown Princess Michiko (now Their Majesties the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emeritus), and the Crown Prince served as honorary president of the exposition, with approximately 240,000 people visiting throughout the period.
Many related receptions were also held in the banquet halls of the Osaka Royal Hotel. There were more than 70 stays at the hotel by VIPs including their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, various members of the Imperial Family, as well as heads of state from various countries, ministers, and other government dignitaries.
For Expo 2025, opening in April 2025, the RIHGA Royal Hotel will be responsible for Guest House operations, welcoming distinguished guests from Japan and abroad who will attend official events, such as National Days, Special Days, and pavilion inspections. Based on our experience from Expo ‘70, it is hoped that the appeal of Japan and of Expo 2025 will be conveyed with the distinctive spirit of hospitality that only the RIHGA Royal Hotel can provide.
Text by Eriko Michida, 140B
