Osaka Subway Power Outage Disrupts World Expo, Stranding Visitors

A significant disruption occurred in Osaka's subway system, stranding numerous individuals late into Wednesday night near a station linked to the World Exposition site. The incident stemmed from a power failure on the Chuo Line, operated by Osaka Metro, which began around 9:30 p.m. This outage halted train service from Yumeshima Station, a key access point to the expo's eastern entrance.

While service partially resumed between Yumeshima and the subsequent station, Cosmosquare, around 10:10 p.m., entry to Yumeshima was restricted due to overcrowding. Authorities advised visitors to utilize alternative transportation methods, such as buses.

Following the subway malfunction, expo attendees were instructed to remain within the event grounds via the public address system. Many were observed resting beneath the Grand Ring, a large wooden structure, as midnight neared.

The Osaka municipal fire department reported receiving over twenty calls for assistance from individuals experiencing discomfort or suspected heatstroke. Fortunately, none of these cases were deemed serious.

The Chuo Line is the primary train route providing direct access to the expo venue, serving approximately 70 percent of visitors, according to the subway operator. The 2025 World Exposition is taking place on a manmade island in the western Japanese city, spanning from April 13 to October 13.