Expo Plans in Disarray, India Abandons Pavilion

Jun 26, 2024 | News On Japan

OSAKA - Countries are struggling to find contractors to complete the construction of complex pavilions before the opening ceremony of the Osaka-Kansai Expo on April 12 next year, while some participants feel uneasy about the potential for methane gas accidents.

Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura stated, "With less than 10 months until the Expo opens, all project preparations are progressing swiftly and steadily." However, delays in preparations have also been noted.

A Polish representative mentioned, "The design of Poland's pavilion is complex and requires extensive construction time. We were delighted to finally find a contractor."

The Expo plans to host participants from 161 countries and regions. Of these, 51 countries aim to construct pavilions under the 'Type A' category, which allows for unique designs. However, 11 countries have yet to secure contractors.

One such country is India, which initially planned to build a pavilion inspired by the Himalayan mountains but has since abandoned this idea. Instead, India will use a prefabricated 'Type X' structure. The Expo Association has prepared nine of these 'Type X' pavilions for countries facing preparation delays. Despite this, only four countries, including India, have confirmed the use of 'Type X' structures. The remaining buildings will serve as rest areas for visitors. These adjustments will incur additional costs amounting to billions of yen, potentially requiring the use of contingency funds reserved for unforeseen events like disasters.

Internally, the Expo Association is considering asking countries that cannot complete 'Type A' pavilions on time to return their allocated land.

An Expo official stated, "If the land is returned at a point where we can no longer take action, it will remain vacant. However, we will make this request after considering each country's circumstances."

Besides construction delays, there are other concerns. The Expo site, Yumeshima, is an artificial island created from incinerated waste ash, and methane gas is being generated from some underground areas.

In March, an explosion occurred at a building under construction, likely caused by igniting methane gas.

The Polish representative commented, "While there seems to be no direct impact at this time, the risk is certainly present."

The Expo Association asserts that all necessary precautions have been taken, including installing methane gas emission devices at each facility.

Source: ANN

Tokyo Metro Unveils New Headquarters

Tokyo Metro has unveiled its new headquarters ahead of a full relocation at the end of August, featuring an open office design filled with route symbols, station names and other elements inspired by the subway network.

Tokyo to Resume Black Bear Hunting

Tokyo is preparing to allow hunting of Asian black bears for the first time in about 20 years, with a proposed hunting season from November through February and an annual capture target of around 34 animals in parts of the Tama region, including Hachioji.

Typhoon No. 18 Moves North-West Toward Japan

Typhoon No. 18 (Soudelor) formed near the Truk Islands on August 19 and is forecast to strengthen as it gradually turns northwest, potentially approaching the Ogasawara Islands before moving toward Okinawa or the Pacific coast of western Japan.

Moss-Covered Healing Forest Draws Visitors

After 10 p.m., the clouds that had covered the sky above Shirakoma Pond gradually began to clear, revealing countless stars and the Milky Way rising vividly over the mountain lake in Nagano Prefecture's Northern Yatsugatake range.

Fire Breaks Out at Sairinji Temple in Saga

A fire broke out at Sairinji temple in Saga city on the morning of August 18, engulfing the building in flames and prompting the dispatch of 10 fire engines and two ambulances, with no injuries reported so far.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Free-Spirited Dolphin Yuki Goes Viral

A playful young dolphin named Yuki at Kagoshima City Aquarium has become a social media sensation after videos showed her freely sliding along the poolside, spinning around and plunging back into the water while other dolphins followed their usual routines.

ANA Faces Backlash Over New Domestic Fare System

All Nippon Airways has come under criticism over a new three-tier domestic fare system introduced from May 19, with complaints over seat assignments and reports that some passengers booked on the cheapest fares were unable to board their scheduled flights, prompting ANA to consider changes as it seeks to improve the profitability of a domestic network where about 60% of routes are in the red.

Nagoya Castle Elevator Dispute Continues

Nagoya City has begun individual consultations with disability advocacy groups over accessibility plans for the proposed wooden reconstruction of Nagoya Castle's main tower, as the two sides remain divided over how people with disabilities should be able to move between floors.