Japanese technology and ideas converge at the G20 Osaka Summit!

The G20 Osaka Summit, the largest international conference ever hosted by Japan, was held on June 28 and 29, 2019. As numerous journalists from various countries gathered at the venue, INTEX Osaka (Suminoe Ward, Osaka City), the International Media Center opened on the 27th, preceding the main conference. The government public relations exhibition space and other areas featured displays that attracted the attention of many participants, showcasing Japan's technology and ideas to the world.

Flags of participating countries and international organizations fluttered in front of the venue

Ideas aligned with the summit's key themes—"World Economy," "Trade and Investment," "Innovation," "Environment and Energy," "Employment," "Women's Empowerment," "Development," and "Health"—along with spaces promoting Japan and the appeal of Osaka and the Kansai region, captured the attention of the press. A dining area featuring ingredients unique to Osaka, known as "the kitchen of the nation," and a live kitchen offering street food-style dining also drew interest.

The entrance to the public relations exhibition space

Cutaway model of Toyota's hydrogen fuel cell vehicle "MIRAI"

① Government Public Information Exhibition Space

With cooperation from relevant ministries and private companies, innovative technologies and ideas gathered to create a new era of prosperity for both people and the planet.

A standout feature was innovation addressing global environmental challenges for sustainable growth. Many exhibits demonstrated proactive commitment to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). The themes explored included "Society (SOCIETY×INNOVATION)", "Health (HEALTH×INNOVATION)", "Marine Plastic Litter × Innovation," "Energy × Innovation," and "Development Cooperation × Innovation."
The central exhibits for each theme were as follows:

Society... Robotics combined with IoT, AI (Artificial Intelligence), Big Data, and space technology

SEQSENSE's security robot "SQ-2". By performing patrol security, it helps alleviate labor shortages and reduce manpower requirements

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries aircraft model

Astroscale's space debris removal technology demonstration satellite "ELSA-d". This technology also contributes to ensuring the safe navigation of spacecraft.

Health... Innovative technologies for healthy longevity, including disease prevention, early detection, and optimal treatment

CYBERDYNE's "Robotic Suit HAL". It detects the wearer's "biopotential signals" via sensors attached to the skin, enabling movements according to the wearer's intent.

Mitsufuji's hamon. Utilizes conductive fibers to acquire precise biological information data. Integration with apps and the cloud enables information accumulation and analysis

Panasonic's walking training robot. AI analyzes the force each person applies to the handle, enabling safe and effective walking training.

Marine plastic waste... Japan's technologies and initiatives at various stages of plastic resource circulation

Seven & i Holdings' compact PET bottle volume-reduction collection machine. It does not accept partially consumed bottles or bottles with caps, enabling the collection of high-purity plastic.

Idea's "YOUZAN". A hovering AUV specialized for environmental surveys on the seabed, ideal for identifying plastic accumulation sites on the ocean floor

Kaneka's "Kaneka Biodegradable Polymer PHBH". Can be used like conventional plastic. In soil or seawater, microorganisms break it down into water and carbon dioxide. Reduces the risk of animals accidentally ingesting it.

Energy... Energy-related technologies Japan is promoting to achieve long-term greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Suzuki's fuel cell motorcycle "Burgman Fuel Cell" (left), Hitachi Automotive Systems Measurement's hydrogen dispenser (right)

Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems' gas turbine. Technology contributing to the promotion of hydrogen utilization in power generation

Kawasaki Heavy Industries' large liquefied hydrogen carrier. Enables the safe transport of hydrogen, which was previously difficult to ship, contributing to the realization of a hydrogen society.

Development Cooperation... Japan's Good Practices in Supporting Developing Countries

Japanese know-how is being utilized in various regions.

Introducing the Lower Secondary School Expansion Project in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

It also promoted the Tokyo 2020 Games, the Rugby World Cup, the current state of areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, Japan's tourism resources, and traditional culture.

Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay Torch

Tokyo Paralympic Games Torch

The Rugby World Cup, also approaching soon , is introduced via poster

② Osaka/Kansai Attraction Promotion Space

The G20 Osaka Summit Kansai Promotion and Cooperation Council showcased the diverse charms of Osaka and the Kansai region—including "traditional crafts," "industrial technology," "food," "history and culture," "tourism," and the upcoming 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo—through various exhibits spanning from the past to the future.

Miniatures of characters and sculptures with deep ties to Osaka

Offering uniquely Japanese food culture like ramune soda, hiyamugi noodles, sushi, and edamame

Maiko, representing traditional culture, also made an appearance. They proved popular, especially among foreign press.

Furthermore, initiatives focused on the three "Lives" – "Saving Lives," "Empowering Lives," and "Connecting Lives" – were presented for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo and beyond. Each is deeply connected to the SDGs.

A panel indicating the stance to continue tackling SDGs challenges beyond the Osaka-Kansai Expo, treating it as a "stepping stone."

③ Dining / Live Kitchen

The dining area offered meals generously featuring fresh ingredients from the Kansai region, including Osaka. A buffet-style meal was prepared to accommodate the preferences and religious dietary restrictions of the many visitors from Japan and abroad, ensuring everyone could enjoy their meal with peace of mind.
The live kitchen featured dishes symbolic of Osaka, the "city of gluttony," prepared right before guests' eyes. Specialty products from areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake were also offered. Many visitors were thrilled by the street food options like takoyaki, skewered grilled items, soft-serve ice cream, and sea urchin or sea squirt.

Additionally, a working space was set up on the 3rd floor of Building 6 for the press corps, where newspapers featuring G20 coverage were distributed. Decorations evoking Japan were placed throughout the space, and members of the press were seen relaxing there.

Information desk at the 3rd floor entrance

Scene from the workspace

Here and there, touches that evoke a sense of Japanese tradition