INDEX

• Creating a city where smiles bring people together. A relaxing spot in the plaza right by the station
• Recharge your mind and body with delicious meals and abundant greenery — head to the popular new facility!
• Add emotional value to the revitalized Osaka Umeda through the use of public spaces!
• Pre-Expo event “EXPO OPEN STREET” to be held in front of JR Osaka Station on October 13!

It has been 150 years since the Japan National Railways opened Osaka Station in Meiji 7 (1874) as Japan’s second railway. At that time, the Osaka Umeda area was farmland, but it has now grown into a massive terminal station served by JR West, Osaka Metro, Hankyu Railway, and Hanshin Railway. Multiple construction projects are ongoing around Osaka Umeda Station and Osaka Station, constantly changing the cityscape. Did you know that the area around Osaka Umeda Station and Osaka Station has many open spaces where people can gather and relax?

This time, we walked around the public spaces near the station with representatives from Hankyu Hanshin Real Estate and JR, and they passionately shared their thoughts on the culture and human connections they want to preserve in Osaka Umeda, as well as the future of the ever-changing Osaka Umeda area.

Urban Management & Umekita Project Group, Urban Management Division, Hankyu Hanshin Real Estate Co., Ltd.

MINAGAWA Yuri

Joined Hankyu Hanshin Holdings in 2018. Spent four years in the Hankyu Hanshin Real Estate Development Promotion Department, engaged in commercial development and town planning along the Hanshin line. Since 2022, has been working in the current department, responsible for area management initiatives in the Osaka Umeda area as well as the formulation and promotion of future vision plans. Regarding the Expo, planned and executed the “EXPO Sakaba Osaka Umeda” in July 2023, and the “EXPO TRAIN Hankyu” — a special-route train operated on April 13, 2024, one year before the Expo opening.

General Manager, Corporate Strategy Office, Company Headquarters, JR West SC Development Co., Ltd.

DEGUCHI Kiyofumi

Engaged in department store buyer and management strategy of shopping center business in JR West Japan Group. He was also involved in the formulation of the JR West Group’s Purpose “Our Aspiration”, which aims to realize sustainable management through design thinking. He is in charge of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai in the shopping center business.

Creating a city where smiles bring people together. A relaxing spot in the plaza right by the station

We started with a walk around the Osaka Umeda area. Ms. MINAGAWA and Mr. DEGUCHI introduced two convenient spots just a short walk from Osaka Umeda Station/Osaka Station where both locals and tourists can relax.

The place with the red Umeda chairs: Hankyu Sun Plaza.

Hankyu Sun Plaza is an open plaza located between Hankyu Umeda Main Store and HEP FIVE. The striking red “Umeda” monument, often photographed by tourists, features the “田” character section designed as a bench where visitors can rest. The Umeda chairs sometimes change colors to match various events. This plaza, one of Osaka Umeda’s prime spots with excellent access, also hosts markets and other events.

It serves as a pocket park within the city, where tourists happily take photos and chat, while young people and office workers heading to the Chayamachi area often stop by to take a break. Just like the Glico sign in Namba, we hope this spot becomes an iconic symbol that people immediately associate with Umeda!

The landmarks are the large Golden Clock and Silver Clock at “Toki no Hiroba” (Time and Space Plaza)

An open space located on the 5th floor of Osaka Station City. The 9-meter-tall Golden Clock and the 7.6-meter-tall Golden and Silver Clocks stand proudly as symbols of Osaka Station. They are sometimes decorated as Christmas trees or changed according to events. Artificial turf is regularly laid out across the entire area, where people relax by lying down, chat, or work remotely, enjoying their own time.

Although it is located above the railway tracks of Osaka Station, a calm and relaxing atmosphere flows there, so I also use it to refresh myself when I get tired from work or shopping. The “GREEN STATION PARK,” where our group company regularly lays artificial turf across the entire area, is enjoyed by many people each time, making me realize once again that there was a demand for elements other than commercial ones around the terminal station.

Recharge your mind and body with delicious meals and abundant greenery — head to the popular new facility!

The Osaka Umeda area, which is evolving day by day, is currently seeing a succession of new facilities opening in preparation for the 2025 Expo. We were introduced to that spot often seen in the media and on social media.

A casual spot where middle-aged men can easily go for a drink — Bar Chika 03

A dining district featuring carefully selected restaurants chosen by a development manager known for their gourmet expertise. Located on floors 2 to 5 of “Innogate Osaka,” a building directly connected to JR Osaka Station that opened this July, the area hosts about 50 establishments. True to its name “03 (Ossan),” it targets salarymen working in Umeda.

This project was driven by the passion of the development manager, who sensed both a market need and a growing concern that places where working “ossan” (middle-aged men) could casually go for a drink were becoming scarce in this rapidly developing area. Attracted by this enthusiasm, renowned establishments agreed to open shops here. To address labor shortages, the idea of flexible operating hours was introduced, creating a relaxed space for working ossan to unwind. Although named “03 (Ossan),” young women and tourists are, of course, warmly welcomed!

A lush urban oasis — Grand Green Osaka

Gran Green Osaka, which held its pre-opening in September this year, features the world’s largest urban park directly connected to a major terminal station. With lawns and fountains for relaxation, it is set to become a new oasis in Osaka Umeda. The full opening is scheduled for 2027, and the south building, opening in spring 2025, will include dining and retail shops, as well as a hot spring and hotel. The impressive all-weather event space with a large roof, “Roth Heart Square Umeda,” will host music and food events.

Osaka was once said to lack greenery, but now a space where you can feel nature right in the city center has been created! About half of the site is surrounded by greenery, and the expansive lawn that stretches as far as the eye can see especially gives a refreshing, open feeling. Seeing adults sitting on the grass chatting happily and children playing in the fountains, I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels relaxed just by being there. Please be sure to stop by during your shopping trips.

Add emotional value to the revitalized Osaka Umeda through the use of public spaces!

What image of Osaka Umeda do Ms. MINAGAWA and Mr. DEGUCHI envision? We had them share in depth their thoughts on the culture and added value of Osaka Umeda that they want to preserve as the area changes in line with the Expo.

Deepening connections through the Expo to create a new culture in Osaka Umeda

Once again, thank you for your time. This is our first time working together with Ms. MINAGAWA, isn’t it?

Thank you. This is my first time working with Mr. DEGUCHI, but Hankyu Hanshin and JR have collaborated on various projects before, haven’t they?

The media often stirs things up by portraying it as a “VS” rivalry (laughs), but in reality, that’s not the case at all. Maybe there was a time in the past when there was competition over market share, but now, facing population decline and aging society, both sides seem to have a strong awareness that they need to cooperate and co-create together.

Especially since the establishment of the Umeda District Area Management Liaison Committee in 2009, the bond between them has grown even stronger.

In recent years, the bond has deepened even more, sparked by the Expo. Connections are being forged, and relationships strengthened as we approach 2025. It’s encouraging that the number of people we can say, “Let me consult with that person!”—whether inside or outside the company—has increased whenever ideas come up.

*Note: The Umeda District Area Management Implementation Liaison Committee is composed of five companies—West Japan Railway Company (JR West), Hankyu Railway, Hanshin Electric Railway, Grand Front Osaka TMO, and Osaka Metro. This committee carries out area management in the Umeda district. Aiming for the sustainable development of the Umeda district, it proactively and experimentally implements various area management activities to further enhance the appeal of the Osaka Umeda area.*

Preserving the cherished salaryman culture! What Umeda currently lacks is “emotional value”

Osaka Umeda is the largest transportation hub in western Japan and a city with great potential as a multifunctional urban center. While it is undoubtedly a highly functional city, I feel the challenge lies in the fact that this functionality has not yet been connected to its culture.

I completely agree. We need to create more emotional value. Umeda continues to grow economically, but as land prices rise, the number of businesses that can operate here is limited, leading to increased homogenization. Visitors might end up just shopping and having tea, making it harder for them to take away lasting memories. That’s why I feel public spaces are essential—not just open, accessible areas, but also common spaces where you can see the faces of local people. Incorporating that concept is important.

Hearing that, I immediately thought of Bar Chika 03, which we visited earlier.

I hope Bar Chika 03 will develop in that direction as well. This area, originally reclaimed land, has grown alongside the railway into an office district. The senior generations worked hard during the day and enjoyed their own places to unwind afterward — that’s part of Kita’s culture. In recent years, more residential buildings have been built, increasing local residents. Seeing parents and children playing in Gran Green Osaka park is also a new culture. Moving forward, while adding new ideas, I hope public spaces are preserved so visitors and locals alike can enjoy vibrant places where they can see the faces of the community.

This is the second time the Expo is being held in Osaka. After the closing of the 1970 Japan World Exposition, Japanese National Railways (JNR) launched a campaign called “Discover Japan” to promote individual travel, which increased the number of travelers. For this Expo as well, we are considering whether a similarly culturally rich initiative can be created.

I was shown the “Discover Japan” catalog that Mr. DEGUCHI has, and the posters and pamphlets from that time still hold an appeal that hasn’t faded even today.

There’s a kind of “emotional” charm in them, what people nowadays call “emo.” I feel that the current Osaka Umeda area lacks that emotional vibe. Rather than just chasing trends, I want to create something that evokes a sense of nostalgia. To do that, I’d like to hold more events that showcase the appeal of local shops and creators.

Let’s work together to create plans that will energize the city and culture of Osaka Umeda!

Each Person’s Passion for the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai

On October 13, the Osaka Umeda Area Management Association—composed of Hankyu Railway, Hanshin Electric Railway, and JR—is planning the half-year countdown event for the Expo opening, “EXPO OPEN STREET,” on the south sidewalk in front of JR Osaka Station. As part of this event, a snack bar-style booth will be set up, offering tourism information and consultation services. This snack bar booth has long been a concept we’ve wanted to realize, and we believe it will help enhance the emotional value of Osaka Umeda. When people think of the Expo, they often imagine cutting-edge technology and new products, but it is also an opportunity to revisit and appreciate local culture and values. We aim to promote the Expo not only as an economic driver but also as a chance to preserve human connections and culture, enriching the event’s impact.

Like Mr. DEGUCHI, I also feel that the Expo has provided an opportunity to meet many new people. It’s been exciting to see various kinds of collaboration emerging beyond the usual boundaries. Connections between people will continue even after the Expo ends. I want to nurture the relationships born from the Expo, take on many challenges, and work hard to ensure that these ties become a lasting part of Osaka Umeda’s culture well beyond the event’s conclusion.

Pre-Expo event “EXPO OPEN STREET” to be held in front of JR Osaka Station on October 13!

The EXPO OPEN STREET, an event to build excitement for the Osaka-Kansai Expo, will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM on the south sidewalk space in front of JR Osaka Station!
This event aims to showcase the charm of Osaka’s city and culture through spaces filled with people, entertainment, and music, welcoming guests from Japan and abroad while expressing hopes for a future open to all.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will feature Myaku Myaku and TORII Shingo, Chairperson of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Additionally, artists active on Osaka’s street scene, such as Umeda Cypher and Lucky Seven, are scheduled to perform.

In the evening, a pilot event called “Snack Alley” will be held as an experimental project for the “Night Pavilion” concept, aiming to encourage enjoyment of Osaka’s nightlife during the Expo period!

Written by: Minako Onishi
Edited by: Ayumi Minami
Photography by: Izumi Maeda
Planning & Editing: Ningen Editorial Team