- Waterstand Co., Ltd., based in Saitama City, has signed a sponsorship agreement with the Japan Association for the International Horticultural Expo 2027 as a bronze partner in the Expo’s heat-measures project.
- Its contribution is to provide water refill stations at the venue.
- The company rents out filtered water dispensers that need no bottle deliveries. With local governments, schools and businesses it runs a “Bottle Free Project” that encourages people to refill their own bottles.
- The company says it wants to cut single-use plastic and, at the same time, help prevent heatstroke by making it easier to drink water.
- The number of stations, their locations, when they will operate and any charge are not stated.
- “Heat-measures project” and “Bottle Free Project” are our translations; there are no official English names.
Our take
GREEN×EXPO 2027 runs from 19 March to 26 September 2027, so its last three months fall in summer. Japan Meteorological Agency normals put Yokohama’s average daily high at 29.4°C in July and 31.0°C in August (table in our guide to when to go). This is an expo built around outdoor gardens and flower beds, with long walks between shaded spots. We think that is why the organisers have set up heat measures as a sponsorship category of its own.
Under the venue rules, drinks in glass bottles and cans are banned, but plastic bottles are allowed, and the organisers recommend bringing your own bottle or flask (our article on the rules). Refill points would let one bottle last a whole day. What we do not know yet is how many stations there will be, whether they will run from opening day or only in summer, and whether they will be free. We will report again when the venue map shows them.
Tips for visitors
- For a summer visit, plan on bringing your own bottle or flask. Glass bottles and cans are not allowed.
- July and August in Yokohama reach around 30°C in the daytime. If you can choose, read why we suggest March to May.
Our take
The venue will have stations where you can refill your own bottle. If you plan a summer visit, that is one more reason to bring one. Where the stations will be, how many there will be, when they run and whether they are free have not been announced.