The Osaka-Kansai World Expo, held last year for six months, was widely praised and drew visitors from around the globe to experience its unique atmosphere.
The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, responsible for operating the Osaka-Kansai World Expo, recently ceased using six domain names previously associated with its services. Unexpectedly, after these domains were released, some were repurposed for adult websites and other unrelated uses, sparking heated debate among netizens.
As of August 4, several of these former Expo-related domains have been utilized for adult content sites, overseas pharmaceutical proxy purchasing websites, and other purposes completely unconnected to the Osaka Expo. The revelation triggered widespread criticism on X (formerly Twitter), with many directly stating, "This kind of management is utterly irresponsible."
In response, the Osaka World Expo Association issued an announcement on July 29, cautioning the public that any websites or email addresses using these discontinued domains are not affiliated with the Association or any Expo-related operations, urging vigilance.
The domains in question were primarily used for websites related to the Expo's official point service, "Myaku-Po!" (脈脈點數). Netizens have already discovered that several of these domains have been re-registered by third parties and converted into adult content sites and personal import pharmaceutical sales websites.
Generally, after a domain's renewal is discontinued, it becomes available for re-registration by others after a grace period. However, links to these domains may still exist across various websites, search engines, and social media platforms, posing a risk of them being used for malicious purposes such as scam or phishing sites.
Consequently, many netizens have raised questions, stating: "They shouldn't just register a bunch of domains and then abandon them carelessly." "Why did they apply for so many independent domains in the first place? Couldn't they have just used subdomains?" "The biggest concern is someone using these URLs to impersonate the Expo for scams."
Currently, the Expo Association stated that in addition to the six domains announced this time, information on any future discontinued domains will also be disclosed sequentially.
This situation has also sparked questions about whether public funds were wasted and if it could lead to further unnecessary complications. However, the Association has yet to explain the reasons for discontinuing these domain renewals or detail its domain management policies.