Over 70 Sightings at Japan Expo
Bites Can Cause Vomiting or Death... Growing Safety Concerns
Experts Say "No Need to Exaggerate the Fear"
At the '2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo' venue currently being held in Osaka, Japan, the repeated discovery of highly venomous invasive redback spiders has put visitor safety on high alert. Although dozens of sightings have been reported since the opening and quarantine measures have been strengthened, anxiety among tourists visiting the expo has not subsided easily. In particular, since Osaka is a popular destination for Korean tourists, extra caution is advised.
Spiders Found Throughout the Venue... "Never Touch Them With Bare Hands"
At the '2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo' event being held in Osaka, Japan, concerns about safety are growing as highly venomous invasive redback spiders are being found repeatedly. Photo by Getty Images
According to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 16th (local time), the expo organizing committee announced that over 70 sightings of redback spiders have been reported since the expo opened in April.
The committee advised on its website, "If you spot a spider with a red stripe on its back, never touch it with your bare hands," and urged, "Report it immediately to on-site staff." The organizing committee added, "Currently, a professional pest control company has been deployed and has removed dozens of spiders from restricted areas of the venue," and promised, "We will prevent further spread through ongoing extermination efforts."
Deadly Venom... Infants and the Elderly Are Especially at Risk
The redback spider, originally from Australia, is a well-known venomous spider characterized by its black body and red stripe. If bitten, symptoms such as muscle pain, vomiting, and fever may occur, and in severe cases, it can lead to neurological damage or even death. Infants and the elderly are particularly at risk of developing severe symptoms, so caution is necessary.
However, experts have pointed out that redback spiders are already established throughout Osaka Prefecture and that excessive fear is unnecessary. One expert explained, "They are not highly aggressive, so unless you try to catch them or accidentally come into contact, you are unlikely to be bitten." The expert also advised, "If bitten, it is important to wash the wound immediately and seek treatment at an on-site medical facility."
Fear vs. Routine... Mixed Local Reactions
Highly venomous invasive redback spiders have been repeatedly found at the "2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo" venue currently held in Osaka, Japan, raising safety concerns. The photo shows Dotonbori in Osaka and is not directly related to the article. Photo by Pixabay
The redback spider is an invasive species in Japan and was first discovered at the Port of Osaka in 1995. It is believed to have arrived mixed in with cargo from Australia, and its presence has now been confirmed in 45 out of 47 prefectures, excluding Aomori and Akita. The spiders are mainly active from spring to autumn and seek warmth in places such as house roofs or inside vending machines during winter.
On August 25, a four-year-old boy was bitten by a redback spider at a childcare facility, and three more spiders were found during additional inspections. Online, local reactions are divided, with some expressing concern that "if there have been 70 reported cases at the expo alone, the actual number must be much higher," while others point out, "Since these spiders have been found in public places for over 20 years, this is nothing unusual."
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