The Umeda Hankyu Building, which includes the Hankyu Department Store and business offices, was reconstructed and fully re-opened in the autumn of 2012. At the time of rebuilding, pedestrian traffic lines centered on the concourses on the ground and underground were improved. Various events are held, in cooperation with commercial facilities, such as the NU chayamachi shopping mall, in the Chayamachi area, where people enjoy both walking and shopping. In addition to making it a livelier place, Hankyu Corporation is working to widen the sidewalks of the city road Umeda Kitano Line, to improve the ease of movements.

The Umekita area refers to the former site of the Umeda Freight Station. It is approximately 24 hectares in size and is located north of JR Osaka Station. In April 2013, the Grand Front Osaka complex opened in an advanced development area that is about 7 hectares in size and is located on the east side of the Umekita Area. In the advanced development area, Grand Front Osaka TMO plays the leading role in managing the town’s public space integrally to produce a high-quality space, including the maintenance and management of sidewalk space around the area and the operation of open cafes and outdoor advertising matters on the sidewalks.

Umekita Phase II Development

The Umekita phase II development area is working with Grand Front Osaka in the advanced development area on urban development to lead Asia as well as the Kansai area and seeks to integrate green practices and innovation. Furthermore, the Umekita phase II development area will develop city parks as green space to attract people from across the world. One of the core tenets of establishing a world-leading innovation base is to be internationally competitive. Construction is scheduled to start in the fall of 2020 in preparation for the opening in the early summer of 2024. A new underground station will be constructed (and is expected to open in the spring of 2023), and access from the Umeda area to Kansai International Airport will be improved.

The 10-hectare Nishi-Umeda area was created as a part of a redevelopment project centered on the former JNR Umeda Freight South Yard and is a place for culture, international relationships, and information. The Nishi-Umeda District Development Council and the Nishi-Umeda Underpass Management Council are working together to promote area management and information dissemination from the area by sharing a future image of the area, setting rules for town development, and performing high-quality maintenance to improve the attractiveness of the area. Furthermore, the area is promoting large-scale complex development to connect the area, including the former Osaka Central Post Office, directly to JR Osaka Station.

In May 2011, Osaka Station City, the most extensive terminal base in western Japan, was born ahead of the development of the Osaka Station North area (Umekita area). This area gathered various functions by taking advantage of being directly connected to the station. The development aimed at creating a vibrant space where people can travel, improving access from the station to the town. As a gateway to Osaka and Kansai filled with comfort, convenience, and liveliness, the area is working daily to provide discoveries and excitement to customers visiting the area.

West Area Development of JR Osaka Station

Taking advantage of the area’s outstanding access directly connected to Osaka Station, the area is proceeding with plans based on the development of new ticket gates, underpasses, and a new station building. The area is planning to reduce the congestion at Osaka Station, develop new barrier-free routes, and improve accessibility to the west area, while enhancing the ease of accessibility to surrounding areas, thus contributing to and further strengthening the value of the entire area.

This block of about 10.7 hectares surrounded by the Osaka Station Front Line, National Route 2, Midosuji Street, and Yotsubashisuji Street is nicknamed Diamond District. Companies and organizations representing each block in the area have formed the Osaka Diamond City Council. Discussions and examinations are being conducted to promote and develop the Diamond District. Furthermore, the Hanshin Electric Railway Co., Ltd. and Hankyu Corporation started their Umeda 1-1 Project, along with the development of surrounding public facilities related to the Project in the northeastern part of the area. This triggered an initiative to consider the further utilization of public space and create a comfortable and high-quality town to contribute to the reinforcement of international competitiveness.