The Kansai Economic Federation has announced their plan for the urban development of the artificial island of Yumeshima, which is also the stage for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai World Expo.

In addition to the IR facilities under consideration, the Federation also announced a new theme park with the goal of attracting an annual 30 million visitors to this new tourist hub. One focus is to incorporate the legacy that the Expo will leave behind.

The plan consists of eight main strategies. One of the pillars is the realization of a “Smart City” incorporating cutting-edge technology. In order to continue attracting visitors after the Expo, it has been deemed necessary to expand the appeal to a variety of income demographics as well as for repeat visitors. It is also noted that it is necessary to establish a tourist hub alongside any IR. The opening of a theme park is an example of the sort of attraction sought after.

In order to retain the Expo’s legacy and shape a location visitors can enjoy, it is essential to improve accessibility around the island, which the Federation says can be achieved by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT) in transportation methods.

It is hoped that this will establish a model case that can be used for existing urban areas. Further, as a coastline area, there is a plan for the urban functions of Yumeshima such as the necessity of development as a hub, which will be key for maritime access.