What is the Preparation Status for the Osaka-Kansai Expo?

Advertisements have become more prominent around the city. So, how much interest do the Japanese people have in the Osaka-Kansai Expo?

Points of Interest for the Japanese People

① "Corporate Pavilions" and Exhibitions of Cutting-Edge Technology

Key Topics: Generative AI, Space, Healthcare, Sustainability

Many people are looking forward to the corporate pavilions showcasing the latest innovations. For example:

  • Panasonic plans to showcase a "Sustainable Life" theme, allowing visitors to experience renewable energy and the future of smart homes.
  • Toyota will provide an experiential exhibit on the future of mobility, with a focus on AI and autonomous driving technologies.
  • SoftBank is preparing content related to the social implementation of generative AI and robotics, where visitors can interact with AI technologies.

② Expectations for "Economic Impact" and Regional Revitalization

Key Topics: Job Creation, Infrastructure Development, Tourism Revival

  • The economic ripple effect of the Expo is expected to be around 2.9 trillion yen, with positive impacts on tourism, retail, and construction industries in the Osaka-Kansai region.
  • Infrastructure development, such as subway extensions and redevelopment of the Yumeshima area, is also accelerating in preparation for the Expo.
  • The event is expected to boost post-COVID tourism recovery, with international visitors (inbound tourism) predicted to increase.

③ Concerns and Expectations Regarding "Yumeshima Development"

Key Topics: Delays in Venue Construction, Rising Costs, Post-Expo Use

  • Yumeshima, the site for the Expo, has been criticized for its soft ground, and concerns about delays in construction and rising costs are growing.
  • After the Expo, there are plans to use Yumeshima for integrated resorts (IR) and logistics hubs, but critics are concerned about the lack of a clear vision for its post-Expo use.
  • On the other hand, some hold a positive view, saying that the Expo could lead to Osaka being re-recognized as an international city.

Notable Technologies to Watch

① Generative AI

Use Cases: Customer Service, Navigation, Content Creation, Educational Experiences

  • It is expected that interactive AI models (like ChatGPT) will be used in corporate pavilions and information systems to assist and guide visitors.
  • Visitors can expect smart UX features such as AI-powered multilingual concierge services that answer questions in real-time and personalized experience course suggestions.

② Flying Cars (Aerial Mobility)

Use Cases: Short-distance transportation between Yumeshima and Kansai International Airport, etc.

  • Companies like SkyDrive and ANA are conducting demonstration tests in Japan, with expectations that the Expo will mark the first commercial operation of flying cars.
  • Though there are challenges such as safety, noise control, and fares, flying cars are highly anticipated as symbols of future urban transportation.

③ Biotechnology and Wellbeing

Use Cases: Health diagnostics, Personalized Medicine, Approaches to an Aging Society

  • This area directly ties into the Expo's theme of "Designing a Future Society where Life Shines," with exhibitions planned around biosensors, genetic analysis, and AI doctors.
  • Companies like NEC and Fujifilm are preparing content where visitors can experience future health management and personalized medical care firsthand.

Concerns Raised

① Delays in Construction and Pressured Schedules

Concerns: Construction Delays, Missed Deadlines

  • Yumeshima, the Expo site, has soft ground, which has led to concerns about delays in construction. There is a high likelihood that the construction schedule could be delayed due to issues that arise during the building process.
  • As of now, progress on venue construction is behind schedule, and it remains uncertain whether the site will be ready in time for the Expo.

② Rising Costs

Concerns: Budget Overruns, Increasing Material Costs

  • There are concerns that the total cost of the Expo will exceed the initial budget, primarily due to rising material costs, higher labor costs, and unexpected construction expenses.
  • Large-scale projects like integrated resorts (IR), hotels, and transportation infrastructure are at risk of exceeding their budget, leading to concerns about the final expenditure.

③ Post-Expo Use of Facilities

Concerns: Maintenance of Unused Facilities

  • The use of Yumeshima after the Expo is still unclear, and there are concerns that Expo venues and related facilities may be left unused. If there is no clear plan to maintain and generate revenue from these venues, it could lead to wastage of taxpayer money.
  • Furthermore, discussions about maintenance costs for infrastructure and how to effectively use the facilities after the Expo are still lacking.

Are you excited about the Expo, or are you worried about it? Or perhaps you're not too interested?

Personally, I really like the character "Myakumyaku."

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