This study reports on outcomes of an investigation of visitors’ long-term memories of the
1970 Japan World Exposition, Osaka. The paper reports in two parts the emergent
outcomes of the study that sheds new light on the nature of visitors’ long term memories
of these kinds of events. First, the paper discusses the common emergent themes from 48
visitors’ memories of this event 34 years later. Second, a statistical analysis and
modeling of 112 episodic memories held by these 48 visitors’ identifies four variables -
Intentionality, Affect, Agenda Fulfillment, and Rehearsal - that appear critical in the
formation of many vivid memories held by visitors 34 years after the event. The
outcomes are significant for future Expositions as designers consider and plan for visitor
experience. Moreover, the study provides critical insights about how to design
experiences that will have lasting impacts on visitor to Expositions.