Russia became the latest country to formally cancel its participation in the 2025 Osaka Kansai Japan Expo — more bad news for the troubled event, which already faces pavilion construction delays, skyrocketing costs and little public support.

The announcement was made in Paris at the general assembly meeting of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), which awards the expos, on Tuesday — two days before the first tickets go on sale Thursday. The Russian representative told the assembly that “insufficient communication” with the Osaka Expo organizers led to the decision to withdraw.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said Wednesday the Japanese government was aware of Russia’s announcement but had not received a formal notice that Moscow was canceling. However, he said Russia's invasion of Ukraine meant their participation had already been in doubt.

“Russia's invasion of Ukraine is incompatible with the 2025 expo theme of designing a future society for our lives. If the current situation remains unchanged, Russia is not expected to participate in the Osaka Kansai Expo,” Matsuno said.

Russia’s exit follows an announcement earlier this month by expo minister Hanako Jimi that Mexico and Estonia were not going to participate. Nine other countries have expressed their intention to join the event, pushing the number of participating countries and regions to 160, she said.

It also comes amid revelations Tuesday that additional funds will be needed for the event.

Construction costs have already hit ¥235 billion, 1.9 times more than the original estimate of ¥125 billion. But the government admitted Tuesday that separate funding totaling ¥83.7 billion would also be needed for the Japan pavilion, which will promote Japanese society, technology and culture, and for supporting lesser developed countries’ participation at the expo, as well as security measures.

During Upper House questioning Monday, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who has already said that he would approve additional construction costs for the expo, said these were separate expenses.

“It is true that there is a burden of government expenses other than venue construction costs. We recognize we have to work hard to rationalize the burden of government expenses other than venue construction costs,” Kishida said.

The need for additional funds is likely to have a negative impact on the already low public support toward the event. A Jiji Press poll taken between Nov. 10 and 13 showed that 55.9% of respondents said the expo was unnecessary, while only 20.3% said it was necessary.

Despite the numerous issues, expo organizers are counting down the days until the event opens on April 13, 2025. Advance tickets go on sale Thursday, 500 days before the kickoff day. Advance tickets for adults range from ¥4,000 to ¥6,700 per person, depending on the time for which they are purchased. The event is expected to attract around 28 million visitors, including about 3.5 million from abroad during its six month run, which finishes on Oct. 13, 2025.