August 2024

There have been concerns raised about the delays in constructing the international pavilions for the 2025 Osaka Expo. With construction starting in August 2024, these pavilions have only eight months to be completed. Some countries have yet to begin construction, and others have not even secured a construction company.

At the Expo, Type A pavilions with unique designs are referred to as the “Flower of Expo,” emphasizing the crucial role they play. The architecture, materials, structure, and space of these international pavilions vividly express each country’s culture, ideology, technology, and industry. It is no exaggeration to say that experiencing these pavilion spaces is the essence of the Expo. Therefore, delays in their construction are a matter of great concern.

Japanese television reports often attribute the decision by some countries to abandon their Type A pavilion construction to “domestic issues,” such as financial problems, natural disasters, or political conflicts. However, while the construction of Japan’s pavilions is progressing smoothly, all international pavilions are facing delays simultaneously. This raises doubts about the explanations provided by the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition.

I would like to investigate this issue further.

A few months ago, I was invited to the design unveiling party for the India Pavilion. The event was well-attended by the media, with many reporters capturing the presentation. A renowned Indian architect delivered an outstanding presentation using a projector, showcasing a pavilion design inspired by the Himalayas—something I had never seen before. During the party, I had the opportunity to speak directly with the pavilion director. She confidently and kindly explained the construction schedule to me, and I sensed no concern about meeting the deadlines from her demeanor. Yet, just a few months later, India officially announced the abandonment of their Type A pavilion construction.

The reason cited for the construction delays was the difficulty in finding a Japanese construction company. Additionally, some international pavilions that managed to find a Japanese construction company have held groundbreaking ceremonies but have seen little progress in construction.

Meanwhile, Japanese construction companies (general contractors) are globally renowned for their adherence to deadlines.

If these delays are indeed due to “domestic issues” within each country, why is it difficult to find a Japanese construction company? Furthermore, how do “domestic issues” result in construction delays when Japanese companies are known for timely completion? There seems to be a clear contradiction in this logic.

I aim to uncover the truth behind these issues and propose potential solutions for international pavilions. It is crucial that we address these challenges and find a way forward to ensure the successful participation of all countries in the Expo.

#Expo2025 #OsakaExpo #InternationalPavilions #ConstructionDelays #CulturalShowcase #ExpoSolutions #GlobalExposition #IndiaPavilion #PavilionDesign #ConstructionIssues #JapanExpo #WorldExpo #BuildingChallenges #Expo2025Solutions #InternationalCollaboration

The Japanese government issued a “Nankai Trough Megaquake Warning” on August 8th. This massive earthquake is expected to occur every 100 to 150 years in western Japan. It is not a matter of if but when, and it is something we cannot avoid.

However, by preparing for disaster, we can greatly reduce potential damage.

In Japan, there is a saying: “備えあれば憂いなし” (“Prepare for the worst, and you will have nothing to worry about”). By taking preventive measures, we can significantly minimize the impact of disasters.

One important step is securing your furniture. During the Northern Osaka Earthquake, both of our company’s televisions toppled over and were damaged. TVs are particularly prone to falling, so special care should be taken. Large furniture can be stabilized using tension rods between the top of the furniture and the ceiling. Additionally, it’s crucial to identify and familiarize yourself with evacuation sites in advance.

Gasoline-powered generators, such as those sold by Honda, are also useful. I found them very convenient during disaster drills at evacuation sites. During disasters, having access to information is critical. While radios used to be the main source, today, smartphones, the internet, and social media are vital for staying informed. Thus, chargers, generators, and mobile cables are essential.

The government’s announcement of the “Nankai Trough Megaquake Warning” will likely increase disaster awareness across Japan, leading to more information and availability of disaster preparedness goods.

In Kobe, there are facilities where you can experience the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995 and learn about earthquake preparedness. Take this opportunity to thoroughly prepare for disaster prevention and ensure your safety.

#NankaiTroughMegaquake #EarthquakePreparedness #DisasterPrevention #SafetyMeasures #EmergencyReadiness #FurnitureSafety #GeneratorPower #SmartphoneSafety #DisasterInformation #HanshinAwajiEarthquake #KobeEarthquakeExperience #StayPrepared #SafetyFirst #BePrepared #InformationIsKey

As we edge closer to the much-anticipated Expo 2025 in Osaka, concerns about the timely completion of the national pavilions, known as the “Flower of Expo,” are mounting. These worries extend beyond mere construction delays to include cost overruns, delayed accident reports, slow resolution of issues, and inadequate safety measures. Reflecting on these multifaceted issues, it seems that the challenges are less about the participating countries and more about the organizational issues on the Japanese side, which appears to be the main culprit.

The initial motivation to host Expo 2025 at Yumeshima in Osaka included plans to integrate a casino—a project not feasible in residential areas such as Suita City. Since a casino is a private business, public funds could not cover the substantial infrastructure costs needed for utilities, highways, and subways. Thus, the Expo served as a strategic platform to develop the necessary infrastructure using tax revenues.

I believe that if a business strategy is sound, there should be no issue with its implementation.

Today, the world faces numerous serious issues. Territorial conflicts continue to result in loss of lives in many countries. This summer, we are experiencing unusually high temperatures, underscoring the severe concerns about global warming. By 2050, we might witness the complete disappearance of the Earth’s rainforests. Excessive development has led to environmental degradation and the emergence of new diseases. Moreover, the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen. Humanity is at a crossroads, unsure of what actions to take, what to protect, and which direction to move towards.

The 2025 Expo should be a global event that addresses these significant challenges. It needs to champion the health, happiness, and cultural solidarity of humankind. If the Expo can truly be an event that evokes universal empathy, only then will we truly understand its significance.

Although our company is a small entity, we are committed to contributing as much as we can to realize the peaceful and humanitarian goals of the Expo.

(Photograph) Inside the campus of Harvard University

The 1970 Osaka Expo (67 million visitors)

#Expo2025 #OsakaExpo2025 #GlobalChallenges #SustainableDevelopment #CulturalSolidarity #HumanityAtCrossroads #EnvironmentalConcerns #GlobalWarmingAwareness #PeacefulInitiatives #InnovativeStrategies #YumeshimaExpo #CasinoDevelopment #HarvardCampus #WorldUnity #ExpoPreparations

Tomorrow, August 3rd, marks the spectacular evening of the Yodogawa Fireworks Festival, beginning at 7:30 PM. I have the pleasure of accompanying some international guests to the riverside to enjoy this luminous spectacle. I warmly invite everyone to join us and ensure not to miss this breathtaking display.

The art of fireworks, interestingly, was first invented in Japan. It dates back to the Edo period—a time when air conditioning was nonexistent. On hot summer nights, people dressed in airy yukatas and used fans to create a breeze, finding mental respite in the coolness that this brought.

The Edo era was known for its isolationist policies, resulting in 250 years of peace without wars. Contrary to popular belief that Japan was a male-dominated society, the Edo period was quite the opposite; it was a time when women held significant strength. Typically, women detested war, and during this period, when men were less preoccupied with battles, women’s influence was notably strong within households.

For instance, a divorce was as simple as a woman placing a “mikudarihan” (three-and-a-half-line letter) on the table: stating merely, “I am, from you, parting.” Such a letter would leave the husband profoundly shocked.

Additionally, the average number of children per family during the Edo period was about two to three, in contrast to the war-ridden Sengoku period, where families typically had up to seven children. The fewer number of children during the Edo era represented an ideal balance for women, avoiding the extremes of having too many or too few responsibilities.

Moreover, the women’s preference for beauty is evident from the elaborate kimonos and designs that emerged during the Edo period. The initiation of fireworks during this time was also driven by women’s admiration for the stunning vistas they painted in the night sky—making the tradition of fireworks essentially a celebration of women’s cultural influence.

As recent summers have become particularly hot, making it challenging to concentrate on work, the fireworks night offers a delightful escape. Forget the stresses of daily life for a moment and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Japan’s Edo period. Please join us to experience this traditional spectacle and enjoy a night filled with history, beauty, and communal joy.