Key Moments:
- The government plans a three-phase redevelopment of Yumeshima Island after World Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai ends on October 13.
- Preservation of a 200-meter Grand Ring segment is expected to cost JPY9 billion (approximately $59.5 million), funded from Expo surplus revenues.
- MGM Osaka, with an estimated maximum investment of JPY1.5 trillion ($10.2 billion), is scheduled to open in autumn 2030 and aims to attract about 20 million visitors each year.
Post-Expo Redevelopment Overview
With World Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai ending on October 13, Osaka’s city and prefectural leaders are shifting focus. They are now planning the next chapter for Yumeshima Island. Plans are underway to turn the area from an exhibition site into a tourism hub. At its center will be Japan’s first major casino-integrated resort, MGM Osaka.
Staged Approach to Reimagining Yumeshima Island
Officials have unveiled a three-phase plan to rejuvenate Yumeshima Island, which lies in Osaka’s Konohana Ward. The first phase focuses on the continued development of MGM Osaka. This joint venture between MGM Resorts International and Orix Corporation is now under construction north of the former Expo grounds.
The next phases, though not yet scheduled, will convert the remaining Expo site into a mixed-use complex. It will feature both commercial and recreational facilities. Current proposals include a 50-hectare open area with a race circuit, water park, hotels, and a multipurpose arena. These features are designed to complement the integrated resort when it launches in 2030.
Another highlight of the redevelopment is the reconstruction of a 200-meter stretch of the Grand Ring. This wooden walkway was once a two-kilometer feature unique to the Expo. This preserved element is expected to serve as the focal point for a new 3.3-hectare park. The projected reinforcement costs for preservation are JPY9 billion (about $59.5 million), with plans to draw on Expo surplus funds.
In addition, private developers will manage further land development. Osaka authorities plan to open a competitive bidding process by spring 2026.
MGM Osaka Set to Reshape Japan’s Casino and Tourism Landscape
MGM Osaka spans 49 hectares adjacent to the Expo area, with construction starting in April 2025. The project expects an initial outlay of JPY1.27 trillion ($8.9 billion) and a potential maximum budget of JPY1.5 trillion ($10.2 billion) after inflation and project adjustments.
Scheduled to debut in autumn 2030, MGM Osaka is projected to welcome around 20 million visitors annually. The property will offer extensive hotel accommodation, convention centers, entertainment venues, and gaming areas, all in line with regulatory guidelines.
Integrated Vision for Long-Term Growth
Hideyuki Araki of the Resona Research Institute has emphasized that “one should not view this massive redevelopment as an isolated project but as one of a larger-scale, medium-to long-term economic plan for Osaka.” The integration of the Expo redevelopment and MGM Osaka is expected to fuel consistent tourism and drive economic growth throughout the Kansai region.
The Osaka government has also launched coordinated measures to combat gambling addiction, including the establishment of a specialized body that provides support from counseling to recovery.
A Glance at Osaka’s Aspirations
With the conclusion of Expo 2025, Osaka is positioning itself for a vibrant tourism future. The redevelopment of Yumeshima Island, featuring leisure, recreation, and broad commercial opportunities, signifies the city’s ambition to emerge as a standout destination within Asia. These efforts not only strive to enhance the tourism sector beyond gaming, but also promote an intersection of innovation with the preservation of Expo-era heritage.
| Project | Investment (JPY) | Investment (USD) | Area (Hectares) | Planned Opening | Annual Visitors (Forecast) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGM Osaka | JPY1.27 trillion – JPY1.5 trillion | $8.9 billion – $10.2 billion | 49 | Autumn 2030 | ~20 million |
| Grand Ring Park Segment | JPY9 billion | $59.5 million | 3.3 | Undetermined | N/A |
- Author
Daniel Williams
