Historically, one of the major nations had hosted the Chuunin Exams. However, that tradition had ended quite abruptly. First, from the rampaging bijuu and their aftermath that had consumed far too much from the world for anyone to concern themselves with hosting such things - and the fact that promotions from rank were very often given on the battlefield. The second, and complete end, was a small three line note in the Three Nation Accords that identified the Kyuuseishi would be responsible for hosting the Exams. It been a point of little contention, not soley from weariness, but from the logical position that a neutral, and consistent host would be a positive change. Plus, the Kyuueseishu could potentially recruit from the ranks as well as provide them with a purpose since they no longer were the caretakers of the Jinchuuriki.

The Chuunin exams had a greater importance to the world than most of their participants knew. It was a reason for the world to converge and celebrate, although most of the gennin were too young to understand the significance. The setup was roughly the same each year with three rounds: a written examination, a 'mission', and a one on one match with another gennin. The written exam took place in stages prior to the 'official' start of the exams, which is when most people showed up to watch. There were a few, such as the Yuki clan of the Land of Fire that came to cheer on the written exams with such excitement that they often made the crowds for the more generally exciting portions seem apathetic.

The build up over the next few days would be important. Many high ranking officials would be using the exams as an opportunity for many official and unofficial meetings with other officials - it was actually an event where most of the years political negotiations tended to happen. 

The three Kages always met prior to the opening ceremony, along with many of their most senior government officials.

Kyokujitsu no Tochi would be represented by Ayameko, along with a begrudgingly present Masazane Io of the Land of Iron, Yuki Shiori of the Land of Fire, and the right hand to the Sankage, Shien of the Land of Rivers. Kyokujitsu no Tochi always sent a formal delegation of four people, usually the most senior council members. The rest, of course, were welcome to be present at the Exams, but were not typically admitted into the Kages meeting mostly do to time and space constraints. 

It was not typical for villages to be nearly empty of all but those needed for essential day-to-day operations. Of course, in a world with a cooperative shinobi travel network, that did not mean the leaders were more than a minute away from their village at all moments. For the Kyokujitsu no Tochi, they made sure that they travelled with a small contingent of shinobi capable of transporting the Sankage back to the village immediately in times of crisis, instances where seconds mattered.

The island was always a significant effort by the Kyuuseishi. Many vendors specifically constructed small stands to sell items commemorating the exams and to show their national pride and support for those gennin participating. Food vendors would come from all across countries in order to make a name for themselves, often creating unique dishes specifically for the event, and usually with names as homages or puns to some current event, place, or participant. The last staple to these events was the number of Masazane clan members there selling their wares, often trying to convince those eligible for the practical portions of the Exams that their tool would give them the edge - the shadier ones tended to make themselves scarce when Masazane Io would make his presence known. There had been many instances where one of those who had not gotten his permission had their stand destroyed by the clan leader himself.

Weather, of course, had been meticulously planned out in advance. By a combination of analysis and a few strongly Fuuton users, the Exams would, not just expected to, have perfect weather.