Key Facts
• The Osaka-Kansai Expo Roof Ring was initially planned for full demolition.
• Current plan preserves 200 meters in the northeast, managed by Osaka City.
• Estimated costs for preservation range in the tens of billions of yen.
• As a “building,” preservation costs include ¥75 billion for upgrades and ¥15 billion for 10-year maintenance.
• As an “observation deck,” costs drop to ¥40 billion for upgrades and ¥15 billion for 10-year maintenance.
• On October 8, 2025, former Kyoto University President Juichi Yamagiwa led a proposal for full preservation.
• The proposal includes creating a walking deck for a full 2,000-meter loop.
• Funding options include admission fees to support maintenance costs.
• Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura suggested surplus Expo profits (¥230–280 billion) could fund preservation.
• Osaka City officials cited challenges due to the demolition schedule but left room for future discussions.
Summary
The Osaka-Kansai Expo Roof Ring, originally planned for full demolition, is now under debate for preservation. The current plan retains 200 meters in the northeast, with costs ranging from ¥40–75 billion for upgrades and ¥15 billion for 10-year maintenance. On October 8, 2025, former Kyoto University President Juichi Yamagiwa proposed preserving the entire 2,000-meter structure, including a walking deck, to enhance its legacy. Funding options, such as admission fees and surplus Expo profits, are being considered. However, Osaka City officials highlighted challenges due to the demolition schedule, leaving the future of the Roof Ring uncertain.
