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World’s First 3D-Printed Train Station Opens in Japan

10 April 20251 min read
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGYWorld’s First3D-Printed TrainStation Opens inJapan10 April 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

In April 2025 JR West was reported to have raised the first 3D-printed railway station, replacing a wooden building used for over 75 years.

Key facts

  • Station: Hatsushima, Arida city, Wakayama Prefecture (about 25,000 residents), near Osaka and Nara.
  • Traffic: about 530 passengers daily on one line.
  • Method: parts printed off-site in a special mortar, assembled overnight on site.
  • Size and look: about 100 square feet, white, with mandarin orange and scabbardfish motifs, local specialities.

Why it matters

  • Japan faces falling population and labour shortages in rural areas; keeping little-used stations running is hard.
  • 3D printing is cheaper, faster and scalable.

Outlook

  • Interior work was due by July.
  • JR West sees a blueprint for rural stations with falling ridership, keeping services going with minimal workforce.

Exam angle

  • Operator: JR West; build time six hours.

Test yourself

1. Which company built the world's first 3D-printed railway station, Hatsushima, in Japan?

West Japan Railway Company (JR West) built it in Arida.

2. How long did the on-site construction of the Hatsushima 3D-printed station take?

It was built overnight, in about six hours, between last and first trains.

3. Hatsushima station is located in which Japanese prefecture, per the notes?

It stands in Arida city, Wakayama Prefecture.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 10 April 2025 (24 topics).

All topics of the dayDay quizApril 2025

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