Osaka Expo Faces Disaster Preparedness Challenges on Artificial Island

The upcoming World Exposition in Osaka, planned for an artificial island, has sparked concerns regarding visitor safety in the event of a disaster. The primary worry centers on the potential for visitors to become stranded if all access routes to the venue are blocked.

Organizers are proactively preparing for a scenario where evacuation from Yumeshima could take up to three days. Recent projections indicate that the area, situated in the Nankai Trough, could experience significant seismic activity, potentially reaching an upper 6 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale.

a bridge, a tunnel, and a subway.

The event is expected to draw over 220,000 visitors on peak days. To address potential emergencies, organizers have stockpiled substantial emergency supplies, including meals, drinking water, and portable toilet kits, designed to last for 72 hours.

In the event of a disaster, national pavilions, event facilities, rest areas, and the Grand Ring will serve as temporary shelters. Helicopters and boats will be utilized to transport the sick and injured off the island if access routes are compromised. A large-scale drill was conducted in January to practice delivering relief supplies and evacuating individuals by air and sea.

A senior official from the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition emphasized the importance of comprehensive preparedness to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors.