The Challenge of Building the City of the Future: Osaka Expo and the Three Major Barriers Behind It
The world was set to focus on Osaka, Japan, in 2025. The Osaka Expo was anticipated as a venue to share new technologies, cultures, and visions of the cities of the future. However, the journey towards its realization has proven to be more challenging than expected, with three major barriers standing in the way of the Expo’s success.
1. The Surge in Material Costs and Its Background
The conflict in distant Ukraine has had significant repercussions on Japan’s construction industry. Disruptions in the global supply chain have led to a sharp increase in material prices. As a result, many projects face the crisis of going over budget.
However, efforts are underway to develop new technologies and materials to overcome this crisis. Initiatives like the introduction of environmentally friendly building materials using renewable resources and local material procurement are gaining attention.
2. The Reality of Labor Shortages
Japan’s declining population and aging demographic have resulted in a severe labor shortage in the construction industry. The lack of craftsmen with traditional skills is particularly pronounced. To address…
