Key Facts
• June 29: Political debate held in Osaka ahead of July 3 election announcement.
• Nine political parties rated Expo 2025 on a 100-point scale.
• Japan Innovation Party rated Expo 99 points, citing $30 billion economic impact.
• Liberal Democratic Party gave 90 points, highlighting future medical and scientific use.
• Communist Party rated -100 points, criticizing casino-related site selection.
• Panda repatriation to China sparked debate: 6 supported, 1 opposed, 2 abstained.
• Opposition cited weak diplomacy; proponents stressed non-compromising security policies.
Summary
A political debate in Osaka on June 29 saw nine Japanese parties discuss Expo 2025 and panda diplomacy. The Japan Innovation Party rated the Expo 99 points, emphasizing its $30 billion economic impact, while the Communist Party gave -100 points, criticizing its casino-linked location. Panda repatriation to China divided opinions, with six supporting their return and one opposing, citing weak diplomacy. The debate highlighted differing views on Japan’s economic and diplomatic strategies.
