'Umekita no Mori' Opens Friday, November 20, 2026 - An 'Urban Forest' Born in Front of JR Osaka Station. Regenerating Ecosystems for a New Urban Hub Where Humans and Nature Coexist

Nine companies in the Grand Green Osaka developer joint venture, with Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. as the representative company (hereinafter referred to as the 'Developer JV' *1), are working on the development of the 'Umekita Park North Park Later Phase Area' (approx. 1.0 ha) within 'Grand Green Osaka' (hereinafter referred to as 'this project') through a public-private partnership with Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, and the Urban Renaissance Agency (hereinafter 'UR'). We have recently decided to open the 'Umekita no Mori' section (approx. 0.9 ha) *2 early on November 20, 2026, ahead of the overall grand opening planned for around spring 2027.

This project had its advance town opening on September 6, 2024, and the grand opening of the South Building on March 21, 2025, welcoming a total of approximately 28 million visitors. Moving forward, the Developer JV will add the 'REGENERATIVE' *3 space, 'Umekita no Mori', to its targets. Through management that 'nurtures together' with citizens, visitors, companies, and research institutions, we will further deepen the project's concept of 'Creating Osaka MIDORI LIFE'—the fusion of 'green' and 'innovation'.

Features of 'Umekita no Mori'

(1) [Environmental Value] Biodiversity: 'Regenerating' a nature-rich space in front of JR Osaka Station where diverse organisms can inhabit.

(2) [Social Value] Well-being: An urban oasis where one can 'reclaim their true self' in the busy modern society.

(3) [Economic Value] INNOVATION: A 'demonstration field' for solving social issues and creating new industries.

Overview of 'Umekita no Mori'

● Development Background

- The Umekita area is located in the lowland part of the Osaka Plain, formed by the deposition of earth and sand carried over a long period by rivers such as the Yodo River. Once a wetland holding water, it transitioned into a rural landscape, and the memories of the land nurtured by the waterside still breathe quietly today.

- By 'regenerating' such 'Osaka's original moist, green earth' as an 'urban forest' after the era of the 'Umeda Freight Terminal' that existed for about 85 years, we aim for the recovery of humans and society through the re-formation of ecological networks and the formation of physical and mental well-being for people living in urban areas.

- We will implement various initiatives as a 'living platform' for cities and nature, humans and society to regain a better relationship, and as a pioneering model of 'regenerative' urban development.

● Location Map and Spatial Characteristics

- Located in the western area of the nature-rich 'North Park' where quietness and healing can be felt, forming a pair with the urban and active 'Umekita Park South Park *6', which has lawn squares and event spaces.

- Considering the history of Osaka as the city of water, an approximately 1,400-square-meter waterscape will be developed, including a waterfall with a width of about 10m and a drop of about 3m.

- The 350-meter 'Path of Inspiration' connecting the north and south blocks will be fully opened. Walkability throughout Umekita will improve.

● Planting Plan to Feel Japan, Osaka, and Umekita

- In addition to creating a new famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Osaka, the planting plan allows visitors to feel the beauty of Japan's four seasons year-round by arranging trees with beautiful autumn foliage like maple and katsura, and traditionally loved flowers like Japanese irises and azaleas, with delicate color schemes.

- By incorporating satoyama vegetation (native species) that grows on the Uemachi Plateau, which has flourished as the center of Osaka since ancient times, and the hills in the suburbs of Osaka, we will express the essence of Osaka while making an ecosystem-friendly planting plan.

- The planting in 'Umekita no Mori' is planned as a 'waterside forest' that expresses the concept of Osaka's original moist earth. It is mainly composed of deciduous trees, considering potential natural vegetation such as hackberry and Aphananthe aspera, and tree species suited for waterside environments.

(Reference) Planting Plan Information (Newly opened area)

- 165 tall trees of 22 species, approx. 3,000 square meters of shrub planting with 83 species, approx. 2,600 square meters of lawn area. - Aquatic plants: Japanese iris, rabbit-ear iris, purple loosestrife. - 23 cherry trees of 6 species (Edo higan, Yamazakura, Oshima zakura, Kanhi zakura, Shiki zakura, Sasabe zakura).

Biodiversity Initiatives

- Amid global urbanization, the loss of biodiversity, climate change, and physical and mental health issues are global challenges in modern society. In the 'Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework' adopted at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2022, realizing 'Nature Positive' in all spaces including cities while promoting nature recovery by 2030 is set as a common goal of the international community.

- At Umekita Park, based on ecological surveys at the Yodo River and Osaka Castle Park, we have set 56 target species (birds and insects) to attract, and planned environments that consider the habitats for these creatures.