Innovative Mobility Solutions taking flight post Expo
Aichi Prefecture's Expo 2005 Commemorative Park: A Legacy of Innovation and New Mobility
In Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture, the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park stands as a testament to the visionary ideas of Honorary Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda. His legacy at this park is one of innovation and the development of new forms of mobility, a legacy that continues to evolve today.
Shoichiro Toyoda, also the Chairman of the Expo Association for the Aichi Expo, left a spirit of innovation and a commitment to mobility technologies that remain alive in the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park. This park has become a hub for new mobility developments, serving as a foundation for the region’s technological and cultural landscape.
While the connection between Shoichiro Toyoda's legacy and Ghibli Park, another attraction in Nagakute City, is not explicitly documented, it is clear that his influence is primarily associated with the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park.
In recent years, the park has transformed into Ghibli Park, opening its doors to visitors in November 2022. The park features facilities based on famous Studio Ghibli films like My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke. One of the new mobility options in Ghibli Park is the APM (Accessible People Mover) Cat Bus, modeled on the cat bus from the film My Neighbor Totoro.
Another innovation making waves in the park is the e-Palette, a futuristic transportation solution designed to provide an immersive experience for park visitors. The e-Palette conducted demonstration tests in the park from January to February this year.
The park's transformation into Ghibli Park marks a new chapter in the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park's history. The park, which was built to maintain harmony with the natural surroundings, is a fitting home for the whimsical and enchanting world of Studio Ghibli.
The ceremony in Toyota City, honouring the lifetime achievements of Honorary Chairman Shoichiro's father, Kiichiro, also served as a reminder of the Toyoda family's enduring impact on the region. Akio, the representative of the Toyoda family, attended the ceremony, emphasizing the family's commitment to preserving the natural environment and promoting innovation in mobility.
In Director Goro Miyazaki's tour of Ghibli Park, visitors can see firsthand the continuation of Shoichiro Toyoda's ideals and the importance he placed on preserving the natural environment. A video showcases Miyazaki's sense of fun and attitude towards nature in Ghibli Park, offering a glimpse into the magic that awaits visitors.
A video is also available to prepare for experiencing the real APM Cat Bus at the park. Set to begin operating on March 16, the low-speed, short-distance BEV promises to be a unique and memorable addition to the park's offerings.
In conclusion, the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park stands as a living tribute to Shoichiro Toyoda's ideals of innovation and mobility. The park's transformation into Ghibli Park marks a new chapter in this legacy, offering visitors a magical and immersive experience that celebrates the beauty of nature and the power of imagination.
[1] Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park - Official Website [2] Ghibli Park - Official Website
The Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park, with its focus on innovation and new mobility, has transitioned into Ghibli Park, embracing the world of entertainment. The APM Cat Bus, based on the film My Neighbor Totoro, reflects the park's commitment to technology and transportation.
Moreover, the e-Palette, a cutting-edge transportation solution, has conducted demonstration tests in Ghibli Park, showcasing the fusion of finance and technology within the entertainment industry.
