News On Japan

Mahoroba Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ship Debuts, Connecting Central Osaka and Expo Site in 60 Minutes

OSAKA, Jan 30 (News On Japan) - The hydrogen fuel cell ship "Mahoroba," designed to connect central Osaka with the Expo venue in Yumeshima in approximately 60 minutes, was unveiled to the media ahead of its commercial launch during the Expo period.

Developed by Iwatani Corporation, "Mahoroba" operates by generating electricity through a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen from the air, propelling its motor without emitting carbon dioxide, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

The vessel can accommodate up to 150 passengers and will operate three days a week, transporting visitors between Osaka's Nakanoshima and the Expo site in around 60 minutes. This marks the first time a hydrogen fuel cell ship will be commercially operated in Japan.

Yuichi Sano, Director of Iwatani Corporation's Hydrogen Division, stated, "The ship offers a remarkably quiet environment with no vibrations or odors, enhancing the excitement of traveling to the Expo."

Details regarding ticket prices and purchasing methods are expected to be announced shortly.

Source: 産経ニュース

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

A passenger car was captured speeding across the frame from left to right by a security camera just moments before a fatal crash in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, that claimed the lives of four vocational school students.

A fire broke out on the evening of April 25th on an electronic billboard attached to the Yodobashi Camera commercial complex in front of JR Osaka Station, prompting a large emergency response. No injuries were reported.

Organic fluorine compounds known as PFAS—suspected to be harmful to human health—have been detected at concentrations exceeding the national provisional target in rivers and groundwater at 242 sites across 22 prefectures, according to a government survey.

The Japanese government will begin issuing blue tickets for bicycle traffic violations in April 2026, with fines including 5,000 yen for ignoring stop signs and up to 12,000 yen for riding while using a smartphone.

A 26-year-old woman was arrested in the early hours of April 24th in Kasuya Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. While admitting to the offense, she claimed, "I ate chocolate that contained alcohol."

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

Kyoto University and its research team have revealed that several former employees of Daikin Industries developed lung diseases, potentially linked to exposure to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of chemical compounds used in industrial manufacturing.

Amazon held a product briefing for its security brand "Ring" in Fukuoka City on April 21st, aiming to boost recognition in Fukuoka Prefecture, where the population continues to grow.

Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi has been appointed commander of the International Space Station (ISS), becoming the third Japanese to assume the role.

A new treatment for Parkinson's disease using iPS cells developed by Kyoto University has shown a certain level of effectiveness in clinical trials.

Concerns are mounting over the discovery of illegal radio signals believed to originate from "fake base stations" mimicking cell towers in Tokyo and Osaka, with experts warning of the risk of personal data theft and potential fraud.

Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition affecting a significant number of women over the age of 40, yet remains largely under-recognized. It occurs when organs in the pelvic region, such as the bladder or uterus, descend due to weakened support muscles, often as a result of childbirth or aging.

As the new school term begins, a concerning trend is emerging with whooping cough—caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium—spreading across Japan and posing a potentially life-threatening risk, especially to infants who may suffer severe complications or even death from persistent coughing fits.

A new treatment using iPS cells, known for their ability to transform into any type of cell in the body, is poised to become the first of its kind in the world. A venture from Osaka University has applied to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare for approval to manufacture and market the innovative therapy.