Fujita Ryo presents Osaka's transformation experience at WUF13

In the Japanese city of Osaka, the Umekita project was implemented within the framework of the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) concept, transforming a former freight area into an innovative and green urban center, Fujita Ryo, a representative of the Urban Renaissance Agency under Japan's Global Affairs Administration, during an event held within the framework of World Urban Forum 13 in Baku.

According to him, the Umekita district is located opposite Osaka Station, which serves 2.5 million passengers daily.

"The goal of the project is to transform the former 24-hectare freight station into a unified center of green space and innovation in the Kansai region," Ryo said.

He noted that, within the TOD framework, a convenient pedestrian network was created connecting stations, plazas, and buildings across different levels.

"A distinctive feature of the project is the 4.5-hectare open green area located directly next to the station, which in the event of a disaster can accommodate up to 34,000 people," he added.