“Hydrogen Week” at Osaka Expo: Experiencing the Energy of the Future
Hydrogen-roasted coffee, hydrogen bicycles, and fuel cell tractors featured at the exhibition
September 26, 2025
Hydrogen-powered electric bicycle
(Photo: Nikkei BP)
The “Hydrogen Energy Park” was held at EXPO Messe, part of the Osaka Kansai Expo Exhibition Center, from September 22 to 25, attracting many visitors with a wide range of hydrogen-powered vehicles, housing, and industrial facilities.
This event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), and the Japan Hydrogen Association (JH2A), with the goal of helping the public understand the significance of hydrogen in future energy systems.
Hydrogen-powered motorbike
(Photo: Nikkei BP)
At the entrance, panels explained the fundamentals of hydrogen. Inside the exhibition hall, a large display allowed visitors to virtually experience a hydrogen-powered future society. Afterward, they could enjoy a cup of “hydrogen-roasted coffee” produced by UCC Ueshima Coffee.
The main exhibition was divided into themed zones, including Mobility, Urban/Lifestyle, Manufacturing/Transport, Power Generation/Plants, and Aerospace. Each showcased products, development projects, and prototypes that use hydrogen as fuel.
In the Mobility Zone, Toyota Motor Corporation and Honda displayed fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), Suzuki and Kawasaki Heavy Industries exhibited hydrogen internal combustion motorcycles, and Toyoda Boshoku showcased a fuel cell-powered electric bicycle. In the Commercial Zone, Kubota exhibited a small fuel cell truck and a fuel cell tractor.
Hydrogen fuel cell tractor
(Photo: Nikkei BP)
In the City/Lifestyle Zone, Aisin displayed portable fuel cell power generators, Rinnai introduced a commercial hydrogen stove, and Panasonic presented a home fuel cell cogeneration system that provides both heat and power.
In the Industrial Zone, Miura exhibited a hydrogen-fueled boiler, Mitsubishi Chemical Industries showcased a hydrogen storage alloy supply system, Panasonic presented pure hydrogen fuel cells, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries displayed a hydrogen gas turbine.
Hydrogen electrification systems are expected to play a central role in achieving carbon neutrality. Both fuel cells and hydrogen engines are emerging as viable options for utilizing hydrogen energy. This year’s Hydrogen Park revealed that hydrogen engines are increasingly being adopted, even for motorcycles. Beyond high-pressure hydrogen storage, products using hydrogen storage alloys capable of storing hydrogen at normal pressure were also exhibited—indicating that multiple hydrogen technologies may be combined for future applications.
Enjoy Hydro-Roasted Coffee
(Photo: Nikkei BP)
Experience the future hydrogen society at the theater
(Photo: Nikkei BP)
(See related article: Future of Hydrogen and Perovskite Solar Cells at Osaka Expo)
