As the world looks ahead to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, Japan is making a compelling case for hydrogen as a cornerstone of that transition. At the heart of this vision is Osaka’s Yumeshima Island—home of the upcoming World Expo 2025—where hydrogen technology is not just showcased, but woven into daily operations and transportation.
A standout example is the hydrogen-powered ferry “Maharoba”, built by the Iwatani Corporation. Named after the Japanese word for “place of harmony,” the vessel ferries visitors to Yumeshima Island while promoting Iwatani’s broader hydrogen ambitions. It’s a fitting symbol for an event themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”
Hydrogen in Motion—On Land, Sea, and Air
Japan’s commitment to hydrogen mobility was also evident in the representation of Joby Aviation and SkyDrive, two pioneers in the hydrogen fuel cell air taxi space. Their presence underscores growing confidence in hydrogen’s potential to support clean, long-range flight solutions.
Even vending machines are joining the movement. The Coca-Cola Company has developed a hydrogen-powered vending machine—completely off-grid and capable of being deployed anywhere without external power connections. It’s a small but impactful example of decentralized energy innovation.
Another standout was AC Biode, a startup transforming plastic waste into hydrogen using a novel low-heat catalyst process that reduces heat usage by 80%. Their approach highlights how hydrogen production can evolve toward circular, waste-reducing models.
Fusion Power and a Glimpse of Tomorrow
Looking even further ahead, the ITER Organization presented a working model of a tokamak reactor, offering a tantalizing vision of clean, limitless energy. While fusion remains a long-term goal, it aligns with Japan’s comprehensive approach to energy security, decarbonization, and hydrogen availability.
A Country Already Living the Future
The journey from Tokyo to Osaka by Shinkansen (bullet train) is an experience in itself—covering over 500 km in just over two hours with the hallmark Japanese blend of precision, cleanliness, and quiet efficiency. It sets the tone for the country’s broader infrastructure, where dignity and design go hand-in-hand.
Japan’s hydrogen infrastructure is maturing rapidly. Toyota’s new hydrogen Crown sedan, featuring full-seat back massagers and LIDAR-powered autonomous driving, is just one example of how innovation is being integrated into everyday transport. Meanwhile, Iwatani’s growing network of 20 hydrogen refueling stations across Tokyo provides the kind of backbone that other nations are only beginning to develop.
A Quiet Leader on the Global Stage
As the world navigates wavering climate commitments, Japan is quietly pushing forward. Its Expo 2025 presence is expected to challenge visiting countries to reflect not only on their technology but on their will to act. With hydrogen at the center of so many initiatives—from public transit to consumer tech—Japan is demonstrating that progress isn’t just possible; it’s already happening.
In a time when policy often races ahead of implementation, Japan is offering something rare: a working model of the future.
