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On the calm surface of Osaka Bay, the spherical dome of the former "Naniwa-no-Umi no Jikukan" quietly stands. This glass building, 70 meters in diameter and 35 meters high, reflects the sky and sea like a giant crystal ball floating on the water. Built in 2000 at a cost of 17.6 billion yen, this museum welcomed many visitors with its theme of Osaka's maritime exchange history. However, due to sluggish visitor numbers and operating deficits, it was forced to close in 2013. (asahi.com)
After its closure, the building was left neglected for a long time as a "negative legacy," but with the upcoming 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, new life has been breathed into it. The tourism consulting company "Symphonics Reel" took over the facility and revived it as an interactive cultural museum. Inside the dome, a restored Edo-period Japanese ship "Naniwa-maru" is on display, conveying the history of Osaka's maritime culture to visitors. (asahi.com)
At dusk, the dome is illuminated, creating a magical reflection of light on the sea surface. Open cafes and event spaces have been set up in the surrounding area, attracting locals and tourists who gather and bring liveliness to the place. The former silence seems almost unbelievable, as new energy now fills this location. (fnn.jp)
While undergoing changes with the flow of time, this place continues to shine as a symbol of the bond between Osaka's sea and its people.