At a recent Senate Environment Committee meeting on the 15th, Senator Yamashita of the Japanese Communist Party raised serious concerns over safety at the Osaka-Kansai Expo venue in Yumeshima. On the 6th, methane gas was detected at levels well above the lower explosive limit, creating a dangerous risk of explosion if ignited. ⚠️
Despite the Expo Association’s pledge in September to implement thorough gas monitoring and safety checks, Yamashita asserted that these measures have not been properly executed. Deputy Director Mogi from the Cabinet Secretariat’s Expo Promotion Office admitted that the current safety precautions were far from adequate.
Following the detection, Moriguchi City Councilor Ken-Taro Teramoto urged nearby expo staff to notify the responsible officials. However, the lack of fire safety restrictions and reported obstructions in alerting the disaster prevention center have only deepened concerns. Yamashita went on to dismiss the Expo Association’s proposed on-site communication and training system as merely symbolic—an "illustrated promise" with no practical substance.
Referencing past disasters such as the urban gas explosion in Osaka in 1970 and the Himeji explosion in 2010, the lawmaker stressed the urgency of establishing robust safety systems. His proposals include installing compulsory ventilation systems and continuous methane monitoring in all underground pits, as well as deploying well-trained staff throughout the venue. Mogi confirmed that these recommendations would be forwarded to the Expo Association for further action.
In a climate where public safety is paramount, this incident serves as a wake-up call. Just like a suspenseful thriller, hidden dangers can lurk in the most unexpected places—reminding us all that safety should never be compromised. 🚨
Reference(s):
Senator Yamashita Demands Accountability Over Expo Safety After Methane Gas Threat
or.jp
