Foreign residents in Japan are witnessing a significant trend in public event management as major international gatherings face escalating costs and logistical challenges. From the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya to post-Expo relocations in Osaka, these developments highlight the complex realities of hosting large-scale events in Japan and may have implications for local communities and taxpayers. According to News On Japan, the cost of hosting the 2026 Asian and Asian Para Games, scheduled to take place primarily in Nagoya, is expected to exceed three times the original estimate. This dramatic budget increase joins a growing list of international events in Japan that have experienced significant cost overruns, raising questions about project planning and fiscal management at the municipal and national levels. The Asian Games, a multi-sport event featuring athletes from across the continent, represents one of the largest sporting competitions after the Olympics. For expats living in the Nagoya area and surrounding Aichi Prefecture, this budget expansion could have practical implications. Municipal governments often fund such events through a combination of national subsidies and local tax revenues, meaning residents may see impacts on local budgets and potentially on public services or tax allocations in the coming years. While specific reasons for the cost increase were not detailed in the initial reports, similar events worldwide have experienced budget inflation due to factors including construction delays, increased security requirements, rising material costs, and expanded infrastructure needs. The 2026 Games will test Japan's ability to manage large-scale sporting events following the controversial 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which also faced significant budget concerns. Meanwhile, in the Kansai region, the aftermath of the Osaka-Kansai Expo is taking shape. According to News On Japan, the symbolic Atom statue that stood atop the Pasona Pavilion at the Expo has been removed as part of the relocation process to Awaji Island. This move represents the beginning of a broader transition as exhibits from the international exposition find permanent homes. Awaji Island, located in the Seto Inland Sea between Honsai and Shikoku, has become a growing cultural and tourism destination. The relocation of Expo exhibits to the island suggests a strategy to preserve the event's legacy while distributing its cultural and economic benefits beyond Osaka city limits. For expats interested in Japanese pop culture and technology, this development means that Expo attractions, including the iconic Astro Boy statue, will remain accessible to the public rather than being dismantled. Additionally, NHK reported that Prime Minister Takaichi attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the 2027 International Horticultural Exposition in Yokohama, with just 500 days remaining until the event's opening on November 4. The "Flower Expo" represents another major international gathering that Japan is preparing to host, demonstrating the country's continued commitment to large-scale public events despite the financial challenges they present. For foreign residents, these developments underscore several important considerations. First, Japan remains committed to hosting international events that enhance its global profile and stimulate local economies, despite budget pressures. Second, the concentration of major events in the coming years—from the Asian Games to horticultural expositions—may create both opportunities and disruptions in affected regions, including increased tourism, temporary construction, and transportation changes. Expats living in or near host cities should stay informed about event schedules and potential impacts on daily life, including traffic patterns, public transportation adjustments, and volunteer opportunities. Those interested in attending these events should monitor official announcements regarding ticketing and access, which typically become available well in advance. As Japan navigates the financial and logistical complexities of hosting multiple major international events, the experiences of the 2026 Asian Games and other gatherings will likely influence future decisions about bidding for and managing large-scale public events. For the foreign community, these events offer unique opportunities to engage with international culture while observing how Japan balances ambition with fiscal responsibility.