To all who endured the all-night event at the 2025 Expo, thank you for your hard work. Many of you likely experienced a “hellish night,” filled with unimaginable crowds and exhaustion. However, at the end of that challenging night, we were saved by the warm hospitality of the Czech Pavilion’s director and staff.
1. The “Hellish” Night at the Expo
The all-night Expo event was packed with a massive number of visitors. The venue became so crowded that it was difficult to move, with long lines for popular pavilions, restrooms, and food courts. Many people sat on the ground in exhaustion, and some even fell ill.
Specific Examples:
- Tickets for popular pavilions were all gone before dawn.
- With no resting spaces available, many attendees were forced to sit on the ground.
- In the middle of the night, some people were taken to the first-aid room due to fatigue and sleep deprivation.
As many attendees mumbled, “I want to go home now,” or “I’ll never come back,” dawn began to approach.
2. A Miraculous Dawn: The Czech Pavilion’s Thoughtful Gesture
As the sun began to rise, a glimmer of hope appeared for the exhausted attendees. The director of the Czech Pavilion took a microphone and made a surprising announcement to the crowd gathered in front of the building.
“Everyone, thank you for your patience throughout the night. Would you like to welcome the dawn of the Expo in the best possible way? We will now open the rooftop of our pavilion. Let’s watch the sunrise together.“
This surprise announcement was met with gasps of surprise and thunderous applause. Watching the sunrise over Osaka Bay from the rooftop of the Czech Pavilion, one of the tallest points at the Expo, was the greatest gift for the attendees who had endured a hellish night.
3. The “Spontaneous Kindness” of the Staff Was What Mattered Most
Even after the rooftop was opened, the staff of the Czech Pavilion continued to impress us with their incredible support.
- Staff Member A (Student Volunteer):
- Seeing the exhausted attendees, they approached them and said, “Here, please use this cold towel.” They had prepared these towels in advance.
- Staff Member B (Local Staff):
- They kindly warned each person, “The rooftop is quite windy, so please be careful not to let your belongings fly away,” ensuring everyone’s safety.
- Staff Member C (Veteran Staff):
- On the rooftop, they handed out warm cocoa, sharing stories about Czech culture with a smile.
They didn’t just follow instructions; they went above and beyond, showing genuine, spontaneous hospitality to every single attendee.
4. Conclusion: Thank You, Czech Republic!
That night, we experienced more than just the challenges of a large-scale event. We also witnessed the beauty of understanding others’ pain and acting with genuine compassion.
To the director and the amazing staff of the Czech Pavilion, who turned a “hellish night” into an unforgettable, moving experience, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your kindness and warmth will be deeply etched in the hearts of all who were there, just like the beautiful sunrise over the Expo.