Hiroyuki Ishige, Secretary General of the Japan International Expo Association, has revealed he is considering a full-scale study of private and public sector maritime transport as well as rail and bus networks as part of the transportation network for the artificial island Yumeshima in Osaka Bay, which will be the location of the 2025 World Expo and is the planned site of an Osaka integrated resort.
About 28 million visitors are expected at the venue during the expo between May to November 2025, and access to the venue is a pressing issue.
As reported by the Jiji Press, Ishige stated that subway and shuttlebus will be the main form of transportation to and from the island, but also suggested, “It is very possible for cruises around the Seto Inland Sea after the expo is over.”
It would form part of the plans for how the location can be used after the expo. In August this year, the association established the Visitor Transport Planning Review Meeting with national and local government and railway operators. After some debate, companies such as shipping and ferry companies have been included in the discussions.
Osaka Prefecture is aiming for an IR bid to be located on Yumeshima, and the costs of mooring facilities has become one of the issues.
Ishige commented, “We will provide a place where cutting-edge technology such as [current] face recognition and mobility (transportation methods) can be tested for practical application.”
He also stressed that he wants to make Yumeshima a venue that can assist in achieving a futuristic society.
