Latest news with #Osaka-based
Japan Forward
a day ago
- Japan Forward
Consumer Agency Issues Power Bank Fire Warning
The National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan (NCAC) has issued a warning on its official X account about the risk of power bank fires. The agency reports a series of incidents in which lithium-ion batteries have caught fire or emitted smoke due to impact or deterioration. Power banks are widely seen as essential and convenient, especially during large-scale events like Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. However, accidents continue to occur. On July 20, a passenger's power bank caught fire on a JR Yamanote Line inner-loop train, causing minor injuries to five people. In response, the NCAC released a video demonstrating how power banks can ignite. It also shared safety tips, including: "Stop using the battery if it appears swollen" and "Avoid placing it in hot or enclosed environments." Yamanote Line, one of Tokyo's busiest train routes, loops through hubs like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Tokyo Station. The power bank involved in the incident had previously been recalled due to similar problems. The Osaka-based company that sold the product issued an apology on its website. "We deeply apologize to our customers and all concerned parties for the great concern and inconvenience caused," the statement read. The company again urged users not to use the recalled product. According to the Consumer Affairs Agency, about 39,300 units of the product were sold between December 2019 and August 2021. Since fiscal year 2021, there have been 16 reported fire incidents involving the device. In light of similar incidents on passenger aircraft, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has also issued guidance. Passengers are advised not to store power banks in overhead compartments during charging. Instead, they should keep them within reach to monitor their condition at all times. ( Read the article in Japanese . ) Author: The Sankei Shimbun
SoraNews24
4 days ago
- Business
- SoraNews24
Japanese train station building set up in just two hours with the help of 3D printing
It's a license to print train stations. Earlier this year, we reported on rial operator JR West's plans to create the world's first 3D-printed train station building. In a fitting tribute to the speed this technology affords us, the building is already completely set up at Hatsushima Station on the JR Kisei Main Line in the town of Arida, Wakayama Prefecture, as of 22 July. First, to get semantics out of the way, the building itself wasn't 3D printed; rather, a mold to pour reinforced concrete was printed. However, this technique allows more complex shapes using curves and reliefs to be formed in a small fraction of the time of conventional concrete pouring methods. Although the result is a somewhat simple-looking building, Hatsushima Station takes elegant advantage of this with a rounded roof and classical-looking trims. A slice of mikan orange made of concrete can be seen on the front, and a concrete relief of a beltfish is on the side, these being two famous foods of the region. JR West hopes to use this technology to replace a number of its aging buildings, particularly unmanned ones in rural areas such as Hatsushima Station. However, construction projects near train tracks are very difficult, and work can only be done during a six-hour window between the last and first trains of the day. Had the new station building been set up by conventional methods, it would have taken one or two months to complete. But with the help of 3D printing, the pouring could be done offsite in pieces over the course of seven days. These pieces could then be transported on four trucks to the station for assembly, which only took two hours to complete. Not only that, but about 45 minutes of that time was spent swapping out trucks, so the actual construction work was about one hour and 15 minutes in total. The new station building is 9.9 square meters (106 square feet) and has a ticket machine, ticket gate, and a bench that seats two. Osaka-based company Serendix was behind the concrete formation and is also known for its 3D printed houses. The successful creation of the new Hatsushima Station building with the help of 3D printing would suggest JR West will continue to replace its deteriorating infrastructure this way. Not only is this new method considerably cheaper and faster, but the buildings look rather nice too. Source, images: PR Times ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Tatler Asia
6 days ago
- Business
- Tatler Asia
What you need to know about the world's first 3D-printed train station in Japan
Japan unveils the first-ever 3D-printed train station, offering a glimpse into the future of rural infrastructure Japan has launched the world's first 3D-printed train station building at Hatsushima Station in Arida City, Wakayama Prefecture. Constructed by JR West and printed by Osaka-based firm Serendix, the compact facility is a prototype for sustainable infrastructure. It's not a flashy tourist stop, but it is a functional test case that could reshape how rural Japan builds and maintains transport networks. Read more: 9 progressive young Japanese designers you need to know from Designart Tokyo Measuring just 10 square metres, the reinforced concrete building was printed off-site using Serendix's automated technology and assembled on location in approximately six hours. The entire installation took place during a scheduled pause in the train timetable, meaning there was no disruption to service. According to JR West, the station offers earthquake resistance comparable to that of standard reinforced-concrete houses, while also withstanding weather-related wear and tear. Although thoroughly modern in method, the station's design acknowledges local identity. Its rounded, dome-like shape subtly reflects traditional architecture, while the exterior is decorated with reliefs of mandarin oranges and beltfish—two regional specialities of Arida. This deliberate integration of technology and cultural nuance reflects JR West's goal: to modernise without erasing. The project addresses a pressing issue in Japan's railway ecosystem. Rural stations are increasingly difficult to maintain due to shrinking populations and limited budgets. By embracing 3D-printed design processes, JR West aims to reduce costs and labour while delivering durable structures that can be quickly deployed. If Hatsushima proves viable, similar buildings may appear at other small or mid-sized stations across Japan. For travellers, the significance of the 3D-printed train station is subtle but meaningful. While most passengers are unlikely to visit Hatsushima Station specifically, its construction marks a quiet shift toward more agile, sustainable infrastructure. Those using regional passes, such as the Kansai Wide Area Pass, may soon see more such innovations in rural areas.
Asahi Shimbun
6 days ago
- Asahi Shimbun
Power bank fire on Yamanote Line caused by recalled product
The recalled battery pack, cheero Flat 10000mAh, is blamed for a fire on a moving train in Tokyo on July 20, which caused minor injuries to five people. (Captured from the Consumer Affairs Agency's website) A power bank battery charger that caught fire aboard a JR Yamanote Line train over the weekend has been confirmed as part of a previously recalled product line, according to Tokyo police. The Consumer Affairs Agency is urging the public to stop using the portable charging device immediately due to continued fire risks. According to police, the incident occurred shortly after 4 p.m. on July 20, between Shinjuku and Shin-Okubo stations. A passenger in her 30s was charging her smartphone when her battery pack began overheating. Although she unplugged the device, it caught fire 30 seconds later. Five people, including the woman, sustained minor injuries. The power bank was identified as the cheero Flat 10000mAh, a model that was recalled in June 2023. The product was imported from China by an Osaka-based company and was sold between December 2019 and August 2021, with approximately 39,300 units shipped. According to the agency, the battery charger has been linked to 16 fire incidents since fiscal 2021 due to overheating after charging. Despite the recall, some units remain in use by the public.
Asahi Shimbun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Asahi Shimbun
See floating shoes, turf dress in expo's future fashion week
Magnetically levitating shoes will be on display at the Osaka-Kansai Expo's future fashion show in September. The footwear, along with other conceptual future fashion items, is showcased at a preview in Osaka on July 18. (Kazuhito Suwa) OSAKA—Shoes that float, dresses that grow living plants and garments that fold like origami—these are just a few of the futuristic fashions that will be on display at the Osaka-Kansai Expo in September. These imaginative designs, revealed during a preview on July 18, reflect a spirit of experimentation and wonder, prioritizing innovation and inspiration over immediate practicality. The preview, held at the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, featured prototypes developed by local small and midsize businesses aiming to spark curiosity about what the clothes of the future could look like. Among the standout pieces are levitating shoes created by shoe manufacturer Re:getA and wetsuit material company Yamamoto Corp. The shoes hover using magnets embedded in the soles that repel against magnets in the display base, lifting the shoes off the ground—though not strong enough to lift a person. Re:getA President Yasuo Takamoto explained that stronger neodymium magnets, typically used in electric vehicle motors, could theoretically support the weight of humans. However, the cost and technical challenges—such as the need for a maglev-style ground platform—make that a distant dream. 'Like flying cars, there's something magical about floating objects,' Takamoto said. 'I hope our floating shoes will inspire children to explore the world of manufacturing in the future.' Although the floating shoes remain conceptual, the company is exploring ideas for footwear that uses magnets to improve shock absorption. Another eye-catching concept is a photosynthetic outfit, co-developed by four Osaka-based companies including textile maker Toki Sen-i Co. and cosmetics firm Momotani Juntenkan. The clothing features a mesh fabric infused with moisturizing lotion and seeded with plants such as cat grass, clover and turf. With regular misting, the garments sprout greenery in a week. 'Roots grow inward toward the skin, so we need to improve the fabric's comfort,' said Yoshiaki Oshita, executive director at Toki Sen-i. 'There are still many hurdles to commercialize this.' Despite this, the concept has already sparked public imagination. Observers suggested using it as a fur alternative, turning wearers into walking greenery in urban environments, or even growing edible plants. Meanwhile, an 'origami garment' project by auto dismantling firm Yoshimura Industry Co. and Osaka Institute of Fashion combines sustainability and versatility. Made from repurposed airbag fabric salvaged from scrapped vehicles, the garments can be folded into various styles. A single piece transforms into multiple outfits without any cutting, reducing waste. 'We hope the technology packed into this piece can inspire what fashion could look like in the future,' said Yuki Nakagawa, a third-year student at the institute and a member of the project team. These exhibits will be open to the public from Sept. 23 to 29 inside the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion at the expo site. No reservations are required for entry.
