The Japanese government says that Mexico and Estonia have withdrawn from the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka, but nine other countries have newly expressed their intention to participate in the event.

Jimi Hanako, the Minister for the World Expo 2025, told reporters on Tuesday that Mexico and Estonia both cited domestic financial issues as their reason for pulling out.

However, she said Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Chile, Cameroon, Croatia and Jamaica have notified Tokyo they intend to take part.

This means the number of participating countries and regions has risen from 153 to 160.

Jimi said she is very pleased to announce the new participants and that, as of now, no countries other than Mexico and Estonia have indicated they will pull out.

She said she will continue to remain in close touch with the participants, while focusing on the preparations.