Just before the opening of EXPO2025! The "Beginning Air" of Osaka Expo from Yumeshima Station
tokio2
Yumeshima Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line, which is attracting attention as the gateway to the Osaka-Kansai Expo to be held from April 13, 2025, is a new transportation hub combining future-oriented design and functionality.
Since the station is directly connected to the venue, it is expected that many visitors will use this station, and its design and facilities include various innovations to accommodate both domestic and international users.
This time, we went to explore the area around the Expo site and Maishima Station before the event.
A view of the entrance to the Osaka Expo
Since it was before the event, no one was allowed to go near the site except those who were involved in the event.
Please check the area around the East Gate.
The flags are lined up in ABC order, with the host country, Japan, at the top.
What kind of station is Yumeshima Station?
The exterior of the station features a large white roof and a spacious entrance.
The entrance to the station is marked with the words "Yumeshima Station YUMESHIMA STATION" in large letters.
Around the entrance, there were many people who seemed to be related to the Expo, and the large number of people coming and going made me feel that the Expo was finally about to begin.
Stepping into the ticket gate, one can see the geometric design on the ceiling and LED lighting beautifully illuminating the ceiling and floor.
The sharp stainless steel-like material and straight lighting lines intersect to create a design that is truly reminiscent of a "futuristic city.
YUMESHIMA (To Yumeshima)" sign is projected on the wall in large size, and in conjunction with the digital signage, information and advertisements are visually appealing.
The ticket gates are also compatible with IC cards and QR codes, and displays are easy to understand for both Japanese and foreign visitors.
The aisles are marked on the floor with multilingual signs such as "Tap to ride" and "QR reader entrance" to ensure that everyone can move smoothly without getting lost.
Of particular note in the station is the All Gender Restroom.
What is this? I thought, "What is this?" but upon closer inspection, I found that the restrooms were designed to be comfortable for everyone, regardless of gender, age, family structure, or physical circumstances.
The walls are lined with pictograms represented by various silhouettes, designed to respect the diversity of genders, styles, and users.
These designs symbolize the Expo's philosophy of diversity and inclusion.
The use of the restrooms can be checked in real time on an external display, which provides easy-to-understand information on vacancies, in use, and facilities (baby seats, ostomates, etc.).
The facilities themselves are also very well equipped, with washrooms, changing tables, baby chairs, and multifunctional toilets to ensure that people of all walks of life can use them with ease.
Also check inside the Osaka Metro Chuo Line
It is different from a normal Osaka Metro car.
It has fewer seats to accommodate more people, and for some reason it also had charging ports.
(Not all vehicles, we suspect.)
We also found an automatic bus!
Although it does not appear to be fully automatic, the computer will partially control the steering and acceleration/deceleration of the vehicle, which will make it easier for the driver.
There were many buses around the venue for test runs.
EXPO2025 Summary of Pre-Event Coverage
This Yumeshima Station is not just the nearest station, but will be the first pavilion of the Expo's theme, "Designing a Future Society that Shines with Life.
Just by visiting the station, visitors will be able to experience the urban space of the future and how people-friendly public facilities should be.
When the Osaka Expo starts, many people will use this station, and Yumeshima Station will be a place that will leave a lasting first impression in everyone's memory as part of the Expo site.
bonus
The asphalt around the venue seems to have a rougher mesh and absorbs more water than ordinary asphalt.
We will report back to you after the event.
For travel to Japan, we recommend travel insurance made in Japan provided by Tokio Marine & Nichido. (within 31 days)
>>TOKIO OMOTENASHI POLICY<<
