Kansai seeks ways to turn EXPO 2025 innovations into practice
Business leaders from the Kansai region gathered on February 5–6, 2026 at the Kyoto International Conference Center to exchange views on how to translate the successes of new technologies and services presented at EXPO 2025 into practical use and connect them with the revitalization of the local economy, according to Mainichi.jp.
The seminar, organized by the Kansai Economic Federation and the Kansai Association of Corporate Executives, attracted 683 participants, who were divided into six subcommittees for discussion.
In his opening remarks, Yasushi Nagai, Vice Chair of the Kansai Association of Corporate Executives (and Executive Vice President of Obayashi Corporation), referred to the region’s gross regional product (GRP). He highlighted its stagnation since reaching a peak of 19% of Japan’s GDP during the previous EXPO held in Osaka in 1970, stating: “Last year’s EXPO was meant to be a turning point for Kansai—and indeed for Japan’s economic development as a whole—to return to prominence.”
In the subcommittee focusing on post-EXPO social implementation, participants shared perspectives on what is needed for widespread adoption. Hiroyuki Ikeda, President of the security company Toyo Tech, noted that while manufacturers propose introducing AI-equipped cameras and cleaning robots, the user perspective is often lacking. He stated: “A perspective in which suppliers and users collaborate is essential.”
Regarding the use of Yumeshima, the EXPO site, Taeko Kamimuro, President of Keinan Warehouse, argued: “Yumeshima still has enormous space. In supporting the reshoring of manufacturing to Japan, it should be developed as a new industrial base for innovations showcased at the EXPO.”
At a subcommittee session focused on new tourism and urban development after the EXPO, several opinions were expressed on the need to increase visitor numbers by expanding the railway network, particularly in connection with the completion of the new Naniwasuji Line, which will link the north and south of Osaka by 2031.
Tomoko Kiriyama, Executive Director of Nankai Electric Railway, which will operate services on the Naniwasuji Line, noted that to prevent the Namba area in Osaka from being overshadowed after the line’s completion, “we will strengthen entertainment functions and similar offerings. While preserving Namba’s characteristic chaos and diversity, we aim to create new value that combines work and leisure.”
In addition, discussions on artificial intelligence highlighted rapidly changing conditions in the AI field and case studies of companies that have adopted it. Hajime Tamaki, Vice President of Panasonic Holdings, said: “We introduced tools such as ChatGPT at an early stage, but productivity does not increase automatically. On the other hand, if we do not adopt them, young people will leave, so it is essential to retain them.” He emphasized the need to build a cross-sector “Kansai AI Ecosystem.”
At the press conference, Masayoshi Matsushita, Chairman of the Kansai Economic Federation (and Chairman of Sumitomo Electric Industries), stressed: “This business seminar proved to be a valuable opportunity to unify the determination of the business community on how to leverage the energy generated by the successful EXPO—an achievement stemming from the ‘One Kansai’ initiative—to drive future development and how the Kansai region can assert its presence in addressing various challenges.”
Source: Czech News Agency, author’s own edits