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Japan Times
7 days ago
- Japan Times
Osaka Expo highlights the challenge of holding events in Japan's scorching summer
It would be hard not to notice the changes around the expansive grounds of the Osaka Expo in recent weeks. Tents now dot the large open area in front of the popular French and American pavilions, with guests in the lineup huddling underneath for a bit of respite from the relentless sun. Mist fans blow icy cold air at passersby — enticing many to linger for a more complete cooldown. And parked, air-conditioned buses set up as cooling stations attract a couple dozen heat-weary 'passengers' at a time. The theme of the Osaka Expo is 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives.' But with climate change fueling increasingly severe heat waves the world over and pushing the mercury to new heights in Japan, one of the expo's biggest challenges has been to design a site that's compatible with the present. 'Many days are very hot and we have to keep accidents and heatstroke cases under control,' Osaka Expo Secretary-General Hiroyuki Ishige said during a news conference last month. The various infrastructure upgrades are evidence that the expo organizers have taken the challenge seriously — and so far, there has not been a major spike in heatstroke cases reported. Still, it's fair to wonder what will be required to hold a safe event in a world that's even hotter than this — or whether summer outdoor events will be held at all. The challenge It's not just the expo that is struggling to ensure guests have a safe and comfortable experience despite the searing heat. The nearby Universal Studios Japan added a water component to its parade in a bid to cool off guests, while some crew members are equipped with mist-spraying fans and sodium-replenishing candies to give to visitors. Tokyo Disneyland, meanwhile, incorporated anti-heat measures into one of its most popular attractions. The park increased the waterflow for its Splash Mountain ride, adding some oomph to the spray that typically soaks both those on the ride and watching nearby. So far, the Osaka Expo appears to have been successful in avoiding a surge in heatstroke cases — in all of July, organizers reported 30 cases in which heatstroke was suspected or confirmed. | Joel Tansey But the expo faces unique challenges compared to those megaparks. For one, the expo has proven to be a popular ticket and passed 15 million visitors on Aug. 6, less than four months after it opened, compared with the 16 million visitors USJ, the country's most visited theme park, drew in all of 2023. More people means more competition for places to cool off and more potential for heatstroke cases. 'When it comes to these mass outdoor events open for anyone ... it's really hard because you can't really identify who has risk factors, who has underlying illness,' said Yuri Hosokawa, an associate professor at Waseda University's Faculty of Sport Sciences and an expert on heatstroke. 'It attracts various people, and it's almost impossible for the organizer to really screen out who's at risk and who's not. And the best way to go about it is assume that everybody's at risk.' Osaka Expo organizers didn't sit still waiting for the summer heat to arrive. By June, organizers had set up 300 large umbrellas around the site to provide more shade along with 30 mist fans, 60 spot air conditioners and multiple buses to act as extra cooling stations. Staff also started handing out parasols to people waiting at the highly exposed East Gate entrance, where large crowds cause daily bottlenecks at security and ticket checkpoints. Various pavilions have also put their own measures in place, while air-conditioning giant Daikin boasts one of the more innovative cooling solutions — a rest area inspired by traditional ice storage rooms. The 70-square meter hut can fit about 30 people and relies on ice generated during nighttime electricity hours to keep the building cool during the day. It's powered by solar energy, and visitors can see the ice that's keeping the room cool, 'adding a visually refreshing effect.' Osaka Expo staff members have started handing out parasols to people waiting at the highly exposed East Gate entrance, where large crowds cause daily bottlenecks at security and ticket checkpoints. | Jiji The massive Grand Ring itself was also designed with the idea that it could protect visitors from the elements, be it wind, rain or heat. But with daily summer highs routinely reaching above 35 degrees Celsius — and sometimes close to 40 — no amount of investment can hide the fact that Osaka's summer weather is unpleasant at its best and flat out dangerous at its worst. 'We thought that it was very cool that they gave us the sun umbrellas and it is so organized here,' German tourist Paul Abraham, who visited the expo in July, said of the entrance procedure at the East Gate. 'But yes again, for the expo, it would be nice if there were even more places with shade.' 'It's pretty hot and pretty exhausting.' The danger By now, the consequences of Japan's punishing summers on human health should be clear. Last year, severe heat led to 97,578 emergency medical transports and 2,033 deaths, according to ambulance and health ministry data, with the death toll marking a significant rise from 2015, when 489 died of heatstroke. But there's still a tendency for people to underestimate the danger, perhaps out of the belief that heatstroke is something that only affects the very young or the very old. 'No one is immune from heat stress,' said Hosokawa. 'In the past, I think people have said, 'OK, we need to really watch out for the elderly and kids.' But it's not just that anymore.' Drawing on lessons learned from past incidents, including a 2011 music festival in Yokohama that saw 36 people, or about 1% of all those in attendance, rushed to the hospital with heat illness, the Environment Ministry has published a list of guidelines for summer events. The guidelines break measures into two categories: measures to prevent heatstroke and measures to take once heatstroke cases occur. For prevention, the document urges organizers to avoid having people line up for long periods of time, particularly in direct sunlight. It also recommends that staff be present and visible to encourage people to seek help when needed, while ensuring that there are plenty of rest areas and drinking stations. 'Even with thorough preventive measures, it is extremely difficult to completely eliminate heatstroke cases, so establishing a system to respond appropriately after an incident occurs is particularly important,' the guideline says, urging organizers to establish centralized medical care centers and plan emergency transportation routes in advance. Daikin created one of the more innovative cooling solutions at the Osaka Expo — a rest area inspired by traditional ice storage rooms. | Joel Tansey The guidelines also note that large-scale events are particularly vulnerable, as people release heat and increase humidity in the air by exhaling and due to the evaporation of sweat. The Osaka Expo added five nurses to its staff on July 1 and another five on Aug. 1 in order to treat victims of heatstroke. It also has staff patrolling the grounds to be on the lookout for anyone showing signs of distress. 'We needed to prepare a good medical system in case visitors feel sick or have heatstroke,' Ishige said. 'At our nursing room ... half of the people who come to the facility, after resting for a short time, they recover. The remaining half get the advice of the nurses or medical professionals and some of them need to see physicians. In case of severe problems, we use ambulances to transfer those people to the hospital.' So far, the Osaka Expo appears to have been successful in avoiding a surge in heatstroke cases — in all of July, organizers reported 30 cases in which heatstroke was suspected or confirmed. By comparison, the Aichi Expo in 2005 reported 313 cases throughout its run, perhaps pointing to increased awareness of the dangers of extreme heat. Still, the harsh reality of an environment where temperatures routinely exceed 35 C is that heatstroke can and will happen no matter what preventive measures are in place. Hosokawa notes that when temperatures start reaching into the mid to high 30s, the air temperature exceeds that of a person's skin, making heat transfer inevitable. 'You're not going to be able to dissipate heat out because the environment is warmer than you,' she said. 'If the temperature is high enough, even a minor activity or standing still could still be harmful.' Add in the fact that events like the expo or amusement parks like USJ or Disneyland require a lot of walking from place to place and the ingredients are there for someone to push themselves beyond their limit, in particular because, for most people, these are rare or even once-in-a-lifetime experiences. 'If they are determined to go in one of the pavilions and they want to stay in line, they will stay in line,' Hosokawa said. 'They're going to push themselves. 'Maybe they were already feeling ill, or maybe they were partying last night. It really doesn't matter. It's the only chance for them to enjoy that opportunity.' The future Eventually, as the planet heats up even further, those opportunities might no longer exist during the summer. Ishige was noncommittal when asked if the expo would ever need to be closed because of extreme heat, but stressed that organizers are keeping a close eye on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WGBT) forecast, a measurement that takes into account air temperature, humidity and radiant heat. Signage warning of extreme heat and detailing preventive measures at the Osaka Expo last month | Joel Tansey 'If we have an extreme number in the heat index ... we have to think about another measure, but now every day it's very hot already but we haven't come to that kind of state yet,' he said. Already, summer events are being forced to alter their schedules, sometimes breaking with long-held traditions. Last week, the National High School Baseball Championship, held at historic Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, held its opening ceremony in the late afternoon for the first time ever. Organizers also tweaked the daily schedule of games to avoid having teams play during the hottest time of the day. Other traditional summer events, including some fireworks festivals, have also been moved to the fall in recent years. Hosokawa envisions a future where some events simply won't be possible this time of year. 'If climate change continues and the extreme heat gets more extreme, we're going to have to completely change how we view these outdoor summer events,' she said. 'It's not impossible, but I think the preparation ... would be more extensive. And if that happens, I think it'll naturally kind of weed out those who can host versus those who can't.'
Broadcast Pro
13-05-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Business France unveils 14 firms joining French Pavilion at CABSAT
This year's participation will be marked by a special networking event co-organised by Business France and TECOM Group, bringing together the French delegation and key local players from Dubai's media ecosystem. As the Middle East's media and entertainment industry enters a phase of rapid expansion, France is making a strong statement at CABSAT 2025 with a delegation of 14 leading companies. Organised by Business France, the national trade agency, the French Pavilion at Sheikh Saeed Hall (S2 A30 & S2 B30) highlights the country's ambition to lead the next wave of innovation in broadcasting, digital content delivery and technological transformation across the region. With the regional media market expected to more than double by 2032—from $38.45bn in 2024 to $82.67bn—countries like the UAE are cementing their status as global hubs for creative industries and streaming innovation. French participation in CABSAT 2025 signals a broader strategy to forge deeper commercial and technological ties with the Gulf, offering solutions that address critical regional priorities, from 5G rollout and cloud-native production to AI-driven personalisation and eco-friendly data infrastructure. French companies have been quick to scale up investment in forward-looking technologies, reflecting their capacity to meet regional demands for agility, security and sustainability. The live, cloud-based broadcast of the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay is one example of how France is pioneering digital-first and environmentally responsible media practices on a global stage. At CABSAT, France's media tech firms are presenting a wide range of advanced solutions. Ateme and Broadpeak are focusing on cutting-edge video compression and OTT delivery. In the realm of content protection and monitoring, Verimatrix and Witbe are showcasing tools to safeguard digital assets and enhance quality of service. Enensys, Hexaglobe, Netgem, and Cognacq-Jay Image are highlighting scalable platforms for IPTV, OTT, and cloud-based content management, while Multicam Systems and Easytools demonstrate the latest in multi-camera production and automation. Videomenthe and Easybroadcast are presenting collaborative video file management systems that support both live and on-demand viewing. Also part of the delegation is Cité De Mémoire, offering its expertise in digitisation, archiving, and the preservation of audiovisual heritage. International broadcaster France 24 is taking the opportunity to strengthen its brand presence across the MENA region. To further reinforce bilateral industry ties, Dubai Studio City—part of TECOM Group's Media Cluster—will host a networking event connecting local production, telecom and broadcast leaders with the French delegation. This collaboration underscores the growing strategic alignment between France and the UAE in media innovation and technological development. Through this collective presence at CABSAT 2025, France demonstrates not only its technical leadership but also its commitment to building long-term partnerships that foster growth, creativity, and sustainable transformation in the Middle East's thriving media landscape.
Mid East Info
12-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
CABSAT 2025: France Powers the Future of Broadcasting and Media Innovation
United Arab Emirates, May, 12th 2025 – At a time when the Middle East's media and entertainment sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, France is stepping into the spotlight at CABSAT 2025 with a strong delegation of 14 cutting-edge companies. Gathered under the French Pavilion (Sheikh Saeed Hall – S2 A30 & S2 B30), this national showcase is organized by Business France, the public agency responsible for fostering the international growth of the French economy and aligns with France's ambition to lead the future of broadcasting, content delivery, and digital innovation in the region. France : A Trusted Tech Partner for a Booming Regional Market With the Middle East media market projected to more than double by 2032, growing from USD 38.45 billion in 2024 to USD 82.67 billion, the region is cementing its position as a global hub for content innovation, streaming, and next-gen broadcasting. The UAE, in particular, leads the charge, with TECOM Group PJSC's Dubai Studio City and Abu Dhabi's twofour54 acting as magnets for international investment and creativity. France's presence at CABSAT 2025 reflects a broader strategic ambition: to deepen technological and commercial partnerships across the Gulf and wider Middle East. The French Pavilion will spotlight innovations that address the region's evolving priorities, from 5G infrastructure and cloud-based production to AI-powered content personalization and green data centers. French Expertise : A Complete Value Chain Across Media Technologies French companies have rapidly scaled up investment in future-proof technologies, underscoring their ability to meet regional demand for flexible, secure, and sustainable media solutions. A notable example: the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay, powered by France's first-ever end-to-end cloud-based broadcast, a world first that set new standards in live production and digital sustainability. Amid this high-growth context, the French Pavilion will spotlight high-value technological solutions supporting the region's ambitions for digital transformation and content innovation. In video compression, OTT delivery, and content distribution, ATEME and BROADPEAK will showcase pioneering solutions supporting high-quality and flexible video streaming. In content security and service quality monitoring, Verimatrix and Witbe will present technologies to protect digital assets and enhance user experience. For broadcasting, IPTV, OTT platform development, and cloud-based content management, Enensys, Hexaglobe, Netgem, and Cognacq-Jay Image offer integrated and scalable solutions. Multicam Systems and Easytools will highlight innovations in multi-camera capture and workflow automation. For collaborative video file management and hybrid broadcasting, Videomenthe and Easybroadcast will present advanced tools that support both live and on-demand delivery. You can meet with Cité De Mémoire that will showcase expertise in audiovisual heritage digitization, archiving, and promotion. Finally, France 24, the international news channel, will leverage its participation to reinforce its visibility in the region. As part of the program, Dubai Studio City, the region's leading hub for content creation and one of TECOM Group's 10 business districts, will host a special networking event bringing together key players from the broadcast, production, and telecom sectors and the French companies. This initiative with Dubai Studio City – which alongside Dubai Media City and Dubai Production City forms TECOM Group's Media Cluster – stands as a strong example of the growing partnership between France and the United Arab Emirates, reinforcing shared ambitions to drive innovation and collaboration across the media and entertainment landscape. By leveraging its internationally recognized ecosystem of innovation and creativity, France reaffirms its ambition to deepen technological and business ties with key stakeholders across the Middle East. About Business France: Business France is the public consulting business serving the international development of the French economy. It is responsible for fostering export-led growth by French businesses, as well as promoting and facilitating foreign investment in France. It promotes France's firms, business image and nationwide attractiveness as an investment location, and also runs the VIE international internship program. Business France has more than 1,400 personnel, both in France and in 53 countries throughout the world. In 2023, support from Business France made it possible to generate €3.3 billion in additional export revenues for French SMEs and mid-size companies, accounting for more than 27,111 jobs created or planned. Business France supported 66% of the 1,688 foreign investment decisions in 2024, accounting for 69% of the 37,787 jobs created or maintained nationwide over the next 3 years.
Morocco World
21-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
France Named Guest of Honor at Morocco's SIAM 2025
Rabat – Morocco has named France as the guest of honor for the 17th edition of the International Agricultural Exhibition in Morocco (SIAM), running from April 21 to 27 in the city of Meknes. The French Pavilion, located in the International Hall, brings together nearly 50 exhibitors and is the result of a joint effort by Business France, the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, the French Embassy in Morocco, the regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Occitanie, and the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Morocco (CFCIM). In recent months, diplomatic relations between Morocco and France have witnessed a notable improvement, especially following France's formal recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. Since then, bilateral ties have strengthened across multiple sectors, including agriculture, education, and innovation. Morocco has also been honored as a guest of honor at several major events in France. The 2025 edition of SIAM comes less than a year after the signing of an agricultural framework agreement between France and Morocco in 2024. The agreement focuses on key areas such as knowledge exchange in agricultural training, the development of animal and plant production chains, adaptation to climate change, and the deployment of innovative agricultural technologies. 'France, as the leading agricultural producer in the European Union with a market value close to €90 billion in 2024, plays a major role in shaping global agricultural standards,' said Christophe Lecourtier, French Ambassador to Morocco. 'We are proud to showcase our innovations and deepen our collaboration with Morocco, particularly through the French Pavilion at SIAM,' Lecourtier added. France is also the world's leading exporter of seeds and Europe's top producer of agricultural inputs, said Business France in a press release. More than 500 French companies operate in the agricultural equipment sector. France's pavilion at SIAM The French Pavilion covers 400 m² and hosts exhibitors representing the entire agri-food value chain, from animal genetics and sustainable irrigation solutions to organic farming and storage infrastructure, added the statement. 'Being the country of honor at SIAM this year reflects the depth of our agricultural partnership with Morocco,' said Thierry-Alain Truong, Head of the AGROTECH France Pavilion at Business France. The conference space within the French Pavilion will see various discussions covering topics such as agroecology, water resource management, climate resilience, livestock technologies, and France's support for Morocco's agricultural transition. Speakers include representatives from CIRAD, Morocco's Agricultural Development Agency, COMADER, MedZ, and regional officials from France. The CFCIM is organizing B2B meetings between French exhibitors and Moroccan stakeholders, aiming to accelerate commercial ties and launch tangible joint ventures. 'These tailor-made business meetings are designed to spark real partnerships and boost commercial exchanges between our two countries,' noted Claudia Gaudiau-Francisco, President of the CFCIM in a statement. Tags: agricultureMorocco and FranceSIAM
Trade Arabia
27-03-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
French firms eye Gulf's $1.68bn smart grid by 2026
France will take center stage at Middle East Energy 2025, one of the region's influential trade events dedicated to the global energy industry, from April 7 to 9, 2025. With a French Fab pavilion hosting 19 companies, France will present concrete solutions tailored to the modernization, security, and sustainability needs of today's energy infrastructure. This participation, organized by Business France, reflects France's long-standing industrial expertise and commitment to supporting the Gulf region's energy transition, in alignment with the UAE's ambitions for sustainable development and infrastructure modernization. Major Opportunities and Strategic Investments to Support Energy Transition To meet the growing energy demand, Gulf countries plan to increase their installed capacity through massive investments in new electrical infrastructure. Among the most significant projects, the electrical interconnection between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Oman represents a major step forward. With a budget exceeding $700 million, this project aims to directly connect the GCC's interconnected grid to Oman, ensuring increased transmission capacity and reduced operational costs. On the other hand, the smart grid market is rapidly expanding and is expected to reach $1.68 billion by 2026 in the Gulf region. At the same time, the development of renewable energy, energy consumption optimization, and the construction of sustainable cities have become top priorities across the region. These developments present major new opportunities for French companies, whose expertise in these key sectors is widely recognised. France - UAE: A Strategic and sustainable Energy Partnership Both countries are entering a new phase of their strategic alliance, following high-level visits in early 2025: The visit of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to Paris last February, 2025 The official visit of Laurent Saint-Martin, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, to the UAE on February 20–21, 2025 These diplomatic milestones reinforced the Comprehensive Strategic Energy Partnership launched in 2022 and gave fresh momentum to bilateral cooperation in energy, trade, and innovation. A cornerstone of this partnership is the agreement between Masdar (UAE) and TotalEnergies (France) to accelerate access to clean energy in Southeast Asia and Africa, an initiative underscoring both countries' shared vision for global sustainable development. With bilateral trade reaching €8.5 billion in 2024, the UAE remains France's top trading partner in the MENA region. Energy remains a key pillar of this dynamic relationship, supported by growing collaboration across new sectors including AI, smart mobility, and green hydrogen. French Delegation: Tailored Solutions for Energy Challenges As energy systems in the MENA region evolve, the French Pavilion will spotlight innovative and resilient solutions designed to support the shift towards secure, digital, and low-carbon infrastructures. Key areas of expertise include: With solutions aligned to the region's most urgent priorities such as grid resilience, energy efficiency, renewables integration, and smart city development, the French delegation stands ready to contribute to the GCC's long-term energy goals. -TradeArabia News Service
