Kobe's push for smart street shades comes at a steep price
KOBE -- The Kobe Municipal Government began installing automated "smart shade" structures on city streets this summer as part of its efforts to protec
Kobe, Japan has embarked on a costly initiative to install smart shade structures along its streets to shield residents from increasingly frequent extreme heat. Each custom-built unit costs 4 million yen, nearly double the price of similar South Korean models already in use. Despite the higher expense, the municipal government has decided to develop its own version, as it believes relying solely on foreign-made products is unwise.
One such structure, measuring 3 meters tall, was recently installed at an intersection near JR Motomachi Station. When exposed to strong sunlight, the canopy automatically opens, providing shade for pedestrians and closing when conditions darken. A resident waiting for a traffic light reported that the shade was appreciated.
Kobe, like many other Japanese cities, has experienced a sharp increase in extreme heat days. In the five years from 2021, there were 49 such days, nearly five times the 10 recorded during a similar period in the 1990s. Mayor Kizo Hisamoto emphasized the importance of maintaining city vitality through pedestrian activity, even in midsummer. Since 2023, the city has also expanded tree-planting efforts, but shaded areas remain limited in central districts.
The decision to develop a domestic smart shade model arose due to several challenges. Imported South Korean models, costing around 1.5 million yen per unit, could malfunction if not controlled through a smartphone app, potentially causing delays in response. Additionally, adapting the height of the shades to comply with national standards posed another obstacle, as the foreign manufacturer was unwilling to make the necessary adjustments.
In response, the municipal government collaborated with a group company of Tokyo-based Bunka Shutter Co. to develop a custom model that could be operated via remote control in emergencies. The final product, while more expensive, offers enhanced safety features and can be closed directly in case of extreme wind conditions. The city plans to install a total of nine smart shade units by the end of fiscal 2026, with the initiative drawing attention from other municipalities across Japan considering heatstroke prevention measures.
While some express concerns about the high cost, officials remain optimistic that prices may decrease with increased production.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
