The 1960s were marked by steady and rapid expansion for Howard Johnson's rendering it the largest hospitality concern in the world. Several new divisions were created to facilitate the growth, including the International Division which was responsible for overseeing locations beyond the bounds of the United States. As early as 1959, a Howard Johnson's Lodge and Restaurant facility had been operating in Nassau. However it was not until the late 1960s that the HJ Company announced its intentions to actively seek sites abroad.

Since Howard Johnson had become a publicly traded company, Wall Street's emphasis on earnings and shareholder value spurred HJ's management to seek international expansion while minimizing itself to risk. Thus the Company sought to issue franchises and limited licensing agreements for locations abroad rather than operating or directly owning any foreign sites. Moreover, Howard Johnson's also felt pressure to expand because of Holiday Inn's successful entry into new markets across the globe.

Unfortunately and with few exceptions, Howard Johnson's was ill suited to oversee an international empire of HoJo's. The company's experience and mode of operation simply did not work in most places outside of the United States, and the Orange Roofed chain was unable or unwilling to modify itself for success in other markets. Within four years of starting, Howard Johnson's had abandoned its bid to be worldwide.

Osaka, Japan -- Olympic Park, Expo '70

THE ONLY ORANGE ROOF AT THE FAIR!
Located near the U.S. Pavilion, a limited service Howard Johnson's was open during Osaka's World Exposition in 1970--Progress and Harmony for Mankind. The unit sold HoJo's food items such as frankforts, hamburgers, and ice cream.

Note that it closed in September of 1970 along with the Fair. Interestingly prior Fairs in 1964-'65 and 1967 located in the United States and Canada did not include Howard Johnson's within either exposition.