During a recent Senate Environment Committee meeting, Senator Yoshio Yamashita from the Japanese Communist Party raised serious concerns over safety at the Osaka-Kansai Expo venue in Yumeshima. On the 6th, methane gas levels breached the lower explosive limit, sparking fears of a potential explosion if ignited. ⚠️
Despite a September pledge by expo organizers to enhance gas monitoring and safety verification, Yamashita argued that these measures remain more symbolic than effective. He described the response as an "illustrated promise" with little substance.
Deputy Director Mogi from the Cabinet Secretariat's Expo Promotion Office admitted that the current precautions were insufficient and promised to direct staff and security teams to adopt more comprehensive safety protocols. Meanwhile, Moriguchi City Councilor Ken-Taro Teramoto from the Japanese Communist Party stressed the need for immediate alerts to responsible officials, although reports indicated that no fire safety restrictions were enforced and communication with the disaster prevention center was obstructed.
Drawing attention to past incidents such as the 1970 urban gas explosion in Osaka and the 2010 gas explosion in Himeji, Yamashita urged the implementation of compulsory ventilation systems and continuous methane monitoring in all underground pits, along with the deployment of well-trained safety personnel. This call for accountability resonates with everyone who values public safety and proactive crisis management in high-profile global events like the Osaka-Kansai Expo. 🔥
Reference(s):
Senator Yamashita Demands Accountability Over Expo Safety After Methane Gas Threat
or.jp
