Overview

• The 3D-printed Hatsushima Station, located in Arida, Wakayama Prefecture, replaces a 75-year-old wooden structure and is the first of its kind globally.
• Prefabricated components were printed in Kumamoto, transported 500 miles, and assembled on-site in under six hours, drastically reducing traditional construction timelines.
• The station’s design incorporates local cultural elements, including reliefs of mandarin oranges and beltfish, specialties of the region.
• Although the structure is complete, interior finishing and the installation of ticket machines are required before its planned operational debut in July 2025.
• This project, led by JR West and Serendix, addresses challenges like declining rural populations and workforce shortages, offering a scalable model for similar infrastructure needs.