- TOP
- Company Information
- History of the Underground Shopping Center
Underpasses created to secure a safe pedestrian space - this is the catalyst for the birth of the underground shopping mall.
The initial underpasses in Osaka were Sakaisuji in front of Koryobashi Mitsukoshi Department Store in Chuo-ku in the early Showa era, Junkeicho-dori in Minami-ku, and Namba Shinchi-dori.
On the other hand, our underground shopping mall began at the Nanba Underground Center (now NAMBA NANNAN), which opened in Namba in 1957, the period of full-scale underground shopping malls in Japan. At that time, it became a hot topic as a fun shopping zone that renewed the image of the conventional dark underpass.
The success of the Nanba Underground Center increased the spirit of underground construction. The Umeda Underground Center (now Whity Umeda) in 1963, the Abenobashi Underground Center (now AVETICA) in 1968, and the Rainbow Town in 1970 (now NAMBA WALK) in 1970 were born one after another.
The initial underpasses in Osaka were Sakaisuji in front of Koryobashi Mitsukoshi Department Store in Chuo-ku in the early Showa era, Junkeicho-dori in Minami-ku, and Namba Shinchi-dori.
On the other hand, our underground shopping mall began at the Nanba Underground Center (now NAMBA NANNAN), which opened in Namba in 1957, the period of full-scale underground shopping malls in Japan. At that time, it became a hot topic as a fun shopping zone that renewed the image of the conventional dark underpass.
The success of the Nanba Underground Center increased the spirit of underground construction. The Umeda Underground Center (now Whity Umeda) in 1963, the Abenobashi Underground Center (now AVETICA) in 1968, and the Rainbow Town in 1970 (now NAMBA WALK) in 1970 were born one after another.
Chronology of the Underground Shopping Center
-
2022 February 07 Relocated to the head office, NAMBA WALK Building 2022 January 11 Whity Umeda 204 digital signage installation 2021 April 01 Do Chika Store Association formed 2021 April 01 Succession of the Dojima Underground Center Shopping District Promotion Association business 2021 April 01 New Nankai Store Co., Ltd. changed its name to TUCKNAL Co., Ltd. 2020 July 01 Merged Do Chika Co., Ltd. 2020 June 01 Consolidated Shin Nankai Store Co., Ltd. into a wholly owned subsidiary through M&A 2019 December 15
December 09
December 05
April 25
April 01
April 01Completed flooring of COMS GARDEN parking lot
ONthe UMEDA Open
Whity Umeda 2nd reopening
Completed EAST MALL C toilet in Whity Umeda Phase 1
Formed NAMBA NANNAN Store Association
NANNAN Town Shopping Street Promotion Association2018 November 21
March 31AVETICA Flower Watch Square Reopening
Completed SOUTH MALL B toilet in Whity Umeda Phase 12017 July 01 NAMBA WALK Building Toilet, Employees Rest Room and Other Beauty Clothes Completed 2016 December 22
May 31
March 31
March 31NAMBA WALK Building Air Conditioner BAC-1 and 2 Renewal work
COMS GARDEN SF4, 6 Renewal of cold and hot water coil
Renewal of LED lighting for public passageways in PETIT CHAMPS, COMS GARDEN and NAMBA WALK
COMS GARDEN Disaster Prevention Receiver and Central Monitoring Panel Equipment Update Work2015 August 13
April 30
April 01Completed AVETICA Central Toilet
NAMBA WALK "FOREST PARK"
Reopening
Inheriting the Rainbow Town Shopping District Promotion Association Business
Formed NAMBA WALK Store Association -
2014 October 10
August 27
June 20
June 14Reopening of Whity Umeda "mikke"
Completed Whity Umeda J3, J4, M5 staircase wind doors
Renewal of internal equipment such as high-pressure circuit breakers in NAMBA WALK 1st Avenue
NAMBA WALK Gas-absorbing cold water heater renewal work2013 December 04
November 30
October 04
May 21Renewal of water main water supply valve in NAMBA WALK 1st Avenue
Renewal of air conditioning equipment coils in NAMBA WALK No. 2 and 3
AVETICA No. 16 staircase wind door completed
Refurbishment of switchboards in NAMBA WALK No. 2 and 32012 November 21
May 31
April 28New connection grand opening for rebuilding Whity Umeda Hankyu Department Stores
Moved to NAMBA WALK Head Office
Completed new connection associated with the construction of the Round One Sennichimae store2011 July 22
April 04
April 01
March 03
February 28Renovation of NAMBA NANNAN NANNAN PARK
Head office relocation (AIG Building → Osaka Fukoku Life Building)
Inherited the Umeda Underground Center Shopping District Promotion Association business
Formed Whity Umeda Store Association
Completed new connection with the grand opening of the NAMBA NANNAN Takashimaya Osaka store
Completed construction of cooling water pipes and disaster prevention equipment for Whity Umeda2010 November 30
November 30
July 15Whity Umeda Higashi-Umeda Station
Completed new connection with the rebuilding of the Whity Umeda Osaka Fukoku Life Building
Renovation of parking lot in Whity Umeda IZUMINOHIROBA2009 October 01
May 21Merged Osaka Underground Shopping Center Service Promotion Co., Ltd.
Construction of Braille blocks in NAMBA WALK2008 November 28
April 01
March 31
February 29
January 31Reopening of the FARURURU in Whity Umeda
Whity Umeda PETIT CHAMPS Toilet Women
Completed renovation of toilets in Whity Umeda, AVETICA and COMS GARDEN
Whity Umeda NAMBA WALK OneSeg (Digital TV) and radio broadcasting completed
NAMBA WALK B18 staircase wind door completed
Completed the automatic door of NAMBA NANNAN E9 stairs
Whity Umeda M6 staircase wind door completed2007 August 10
April 30
April 02
March 30
March 24
March 03
February 15
February 03AVETICA Science Disaster Response Training
Completed construction of the Whity Umeda ESCO business system
Completed COMS GARDEN B2 toilet
Completed toilets in Whity Umeda PETIT CHAMPS
Completed toilets in NAMBA WALK WHALE PARK
Completed toilets for NAMBA WALK women
Completed NAMBA WALK Water Park Toilet
Completed toilets in NAMBA WALK POCKET PARK
Completed toilets in NAMBA WALK NEWS PARK2006 December 12
November 17
June 13
February 26Completed toilets in NAMBA WALK ART PARK
NAMBA NANNAN Renewal Grand Opening
The 50th Anniversary of the Company
Head Office Relocated (10th floor of AIG Umeda Building, 1-27 Chayacho, Kita-ku)2005 March 20 15th Anniversary of COMS GARDEN 
-
2004 December 16
October 21
March 26
January 21Completed the outer wall of the NAMBA WALK Building
NAMBA WALK Chicago Gallery Open
Completed construction of AVETICA wind door
Completed construction of toilets for the disabled in the first phase of Whity Umeda2003 December 21
September 30
September 09
March 30
March 27
March 04
March 0340th Anniversary of Osaka Underground Shopping Center Service Promotion Co., Ltd.
Completed renovation work for public underpass lighting in Whity Umeda Phase 2
Opened yume station NAMBA WALK East Store
Completed the passageway connecting AVETICA-Tennoji-koen Park Underground Parking Lot
Renovated and opened Whity Umeda Gourmet Terrier as an independent store
Whity Umeda, Nanba NANNAN Town, NAMBA WALK, next-generation mobile phone support
Dojima Underground Center Reopening2002 December 04
October 04
October 04
May 24
May 24
March 26Open Whity Umeda YUME STATION IZUMINOHIROBA
Completed construction of a new elevator for handling wheelchairs and cargo handling in IZUMINOHIROBA
Renovation and opening of IZUMINOHIROBA in Whity Umeda
Renovation of Whity Umeda Pocket Seven and completed as POCKET PARK
Whity Umeda Confectionery Dome was renovated and completed as an independent store
Proposal of Council for Revitalization of Underground Shopping Centers is reported
2001 December 14
December 07
November 17
October 30
October 16
August 31
May 07
March 16
January 04Completed renovation of Whity Umeda G-1 stairs lighting
Completed renovation of Whity Umeda PETIT CHAMPS North Square
Construction completed construction of Nanba NANNAN Town guidance display board
Completed renovation of NANNAN Town Square
Construction of "Information Signboard" on Whity Umeda H-2 stairs is completed
Whity Umeda Midosuji Subway Line
Renovation of underpass connection and installation of signs completed
Whity Umeda (PETIT CHAMPS H2 and H16 stairs) Construction completed on the flood control door
NAMBA WALK Parking Open
Construction of the underpass connecting to AVETICA Tennoji Underground Park began2000 December 08
October 24
August 29
June 14
May 15
March 31
March 20
March 01
February 09Whity Umeda INFORMATION DESK renovated and opened
NAMBA WALK multi-story parking lot safety prayer festival
Established the Council for Revitalization of Underground Shopping Centers
Whity Umeda Mobile Phone Available
Completed construction of air conditioning in Whity Umeda
Dissolution of the PETIT Champs-Elyse Cooperative
COMS GARDEN 10th Anniversary
Mobile phones (Nanba NANNAN Town) (NAMBA WALK)
AVETICA Fountain GARDEN nicknamed "PARL GARDEN"1999 November 29
November 29
November 29
October 29
October 26
August 03
July 26
March 20
March 19
February 27Opened Whity Umeda Gourmet Terrier
Renovation of toilets in the first and second phases of Whity Umeda
Expansion of Whity Umeda's YUME STATION, Start of Information Services
AVETICA Renewal Grand Opening
AVETICA, Mobile Phone Available
Construction of air conditioning for passageways in Whity Umeda Phase 1
AVETICA renovation “B Construction Zone” B1 store partially reopened
Renovation of the Whity Umeda Phase 1 Cooling Tower
A new toilet next to the Whity Umeda Fashion Lobby
Completed first phase of renovation of AVETICA1998 November 28
November 26
November 15
October 01
July 17
April 01
March 31
March 20
January 23Opened HEP Five, renovated SUNNY TERRA 1 Square in Whity Umeda, connected and started using HEP Five.
Completed construction of connection to Whity Umeda HEP Five in cleansing ritual
Partial reopening of stores in AVETICA “A Construction Zone”
Construction of renovation work in AVETICA
Renovation of entrances to Whity Umeda's Fancy Lobby and Fashion Lobby
Activation and completion of extension of Nanba NANNAN Town (new construction of ceiling arch panels, pillar ornaments, etc.)
The extension of Nanba NANNAN Town is named "SHOKU Raku NANNAN"
Completed construction of wind protection measures in NAMBA WALK, NANNAN Town, Nanba.
Entrance of Whity Umeda's Fancy Lobby
Aisle widening (formerly Umeda Arcade side)
Relocation of toilets and stairs in Whity Umeda SUNNY TERRA 1 (Hankyu Five side)1997 December 12
November 13
April 01
April 01
March 02Renovation of ceiling lighting in a part of Nanba NANNAN Town
Relocated toilets in NANNAN Town, Nanba.
AVETICA escalator and elevator service start
Relocated the cooling tower for the second phase of Whity Umeda to the north side of the Sonezaki East Intersection.
Renovation and operation of AVETICA Central Toilet1996 August 12
June 13
April 04
April 01
March 23
February 29
February 01Published "Osaka Underground Shopping Center Map" in four languages
The 40th Anniversary of the Company
The Public Relations Center in Whity Umeda was renovated and opened as Ko mieux Tea Plaza.
Merged Kyobashi City Center Co., Ltd.
The OCAT building opens in Minatomachi and connects to the western end of NAMBA WALK by moving walk.
AVETICA Casual Plaza Renovation Open
Unification of information systems for the Umeda terminal area, including Whity Umeda1995 August 02
February 06Completion of maintenance around the Whity Umeda Airways Intersection in front of Osaka Station
NAMBA WALK was awarded the Osaka City Mayor's Special Award for Community Development.
-
1994 April 16 NAMBA WALK Grand Opening (Renovation of Rainbow Town) 1993 November 30
November 29
October 01
July 0825th anniversary of the opening of AVETICA
30th anniversary of the opening of Whity Umeda
4 Smoking is completely prohibited in underground passages and plazas
Completion of the new OS building, connecting with Whity Umeda via a connecting passage1992 December 18
June 0135th anniversary of the opening of Nanba NANNAN Town
Start of renovation of the Rainbow Town1991 March 03 Complete renovation and opening of Nanba NANNAN Town A Block A 1990 April 20
March 20
February 01
January 26Completed renovation of PETIT CHAMPS
Opening of COMS GARDEN
Complete renovation of Whity Umeda PETIT CHAMPS
Formed COMS GARDEN Store Association1989 December 04
June 17COMS GARDEN Foundation
Closed Whity Umeda Fashion Avenue, restoration of fancy lobby1988 October 08
July 28
April 18
April 14
February 23Abenobashi Underground Center changed its name to AVETICA
Temporary enclosure to start construction of COMS GARDEN
Kyobashi City Center Co., Ltd. Office opened
Established Kyobashi City Center Co., Ltd.
Establishment of Kyobashi City Center Planning and Coordination Headquarters1987 November 29
July 01
May 01
April 24
March 23
February 02Complete renovation of Nanba NANNAN Town Food Corner
Ajipra refreshes open
Open a large parking lot under Tennoji-koen Park
Whity Umeda Grand Opening
Completed Nanba NANNAN Town Green Line
Opening of fashion Avenue1986 October 20
June 13
February 17Construction of the second phase of the Umeda Underground Center
The 30th Anniversary of the Company
Refurbishment of OGIMACHI Street for the first phase of Umeda Underground Center1985 October 01
September 30
March 18
February 24Comet Harley Approach Fair, Osaka 5 Underground Shopping Center (1st to 14th)
Construction of the 1st phase of Umeda Underground Center (Whity Umeda)
Refurbishment of the SHOKU famous confectionery Corner (18th to 29th)
Renovation of Abenobashi underground center famous store corner (fashion plaza)
-
1984 April 09 Complete renovation work at the Rainbow Town, Sennichimae Entrance and Entrance 1983 November 29
November 01
February 0120th anniversary of the opening of the Umeda Underground Center
5. Issuance of "V Card" common to underground shopping malls
Refurbishment of PETIT Champs-Elyses (January 1 to March 4), renamed PETIT CHAMPS1982 October 01
August 01
July 01
March 17
March 06
January 01Osaka 5 Underground Shopping Center Joint CARNIVAL “Osaka Tsukijo 400 Years Festival” held (1st to 11th)
Establishment of "Collaborative Revitalization Committee" of Osaka Underground Center Store Association
Umeda Underground Service Co., Ltd. changed its name to Osaka Underground Shopping Center Service Promotion Co., Ltd.
Completed Nanba NANNAN Town Gold Line
Ume Chika 1st Avenue South Corner Renovation Open
The Kinki Regional Administrative Inspection Bureau announced the results of Ume Chika and Rainbow towns that "disaster prevention and environmental hygiene are generally good"1981 June 28
June 25
June 08
June 02
March 21Mayor Milan and other delegations visited the Umeda Underground Center and the Rainbow Town.
CARNIVAL, a joint venture partner with Salott di Milan, Osaka 5 underground shopping mall, held from September 25 to September 3.
Osaka Underground Shopping Association, Sister Alliance Resigning Sister Alliance of Salott Di Milan
A new shed on the stairs of Abenobashi Underground Center No. 4
Renovation of IZUMINOHIROBA Underground Center Umeda1980 September 13
March 01Established the Underground Shopping Center Environmental Conservation Committee
Completion of a rainbow town “Mirror Square”, renovation of “Light Square” and “Water Square”1979 October 31
July 01
March 31Completion of ceiling renovation work according to Umeda Underground Center, Koma and OS
Established Namba Underground General Joint Fire Prevention Management Council
Renovation of the Abenobashi Underground Center Concourse1978 June 24 Refurbishment of the Rainbow Town “Green Plaza” 1976 November 23
July 01Our 20th Anniversary
Completed renovation of Abenobashi Underground Center1975 December 11
November 15
March 01
February 25Merger of Minami Underground Shopping Center Co., Ltd.
Renovation and renovation of the motor pool in the Rainbow Town
Completed the Rainbow Town “Love Plaza”
Formed by the National Federation of Underground Shopping Associations
-
1974 November 30
August 28
August 20
February 27New renovation of Nanba NANNAN Town
Opened PETIT Champs-Elyse
Nanba NANNAN Town (Nanba Underground Center) Closed for full renovation work (20th to 29th November)
Established the PETIT Champs-Elyse Cooperative1973 November 20
October 06
August 01
July 08
February 19Osaka Underground Center Store Association signed a sister tie-up with Salott di Milan in Milan, Italy.
Groundbreaking ceremony for the second phase of the Nanba Underground Center
Partial renovation of Umeda Underground Center fashionable south corner
Umeda Underground Center and Sonezaki Police Station New Government Building will be contacted underground.
Groundbreaking ceremony for the Umeda Extension Underground Shopping Center (PETIT Champs-Elyse)1972 December 20
October 01Opening of the Rainbow Town Motor Pool
Visit from France to visit the Rainbow Town1971 December 10
December 03
December 01
December 01
October 30
September 23
March 20Opened the Abenobashi Underground Center Restaurant Plaza
Contact with Hankyu Five
Minami Underground Shopping Center Rainbow Town Phase 2 Opening
Completed the Umeda Underground Center Hana no Hiroba, reorganized the northern end store of Komadori
Completed the Rainbow Town Building
Completed the main corner of Umeda Underground Center
Full-scale observation of smoke flow in underground shopping malls1970 July 03
June 30
June 22
March 20
March 06
February 28
February 19Donation of 245,034 yen in coins thrown into the IZUMINOHIROBA to the Welfare Center for the Disabled
Establishment of Osaka Underground Center Store Association
Groundbreaking ceremony for the Rainbow Town Building
Opened second term of Umeda Underground Center (IZUMINOHIROBA)
1st term of Minami Underground Shopping Center (Niji no Machi)
Umeda Underground Center Promotion Association, Recruitment of Miss Ume Chika "Izumi no Sei"
Replace each underground center signpost (directional instruction board) with Roman letters in preparation for the World Expo.1969 December 23
May 26
January 09Formed Minami Underground Center Rainbow Town Promotion Association
Groundbreaking ceremony for the second phase of the Minami Underground Shopping Center (Rainbow Town)
Advertisement for the second term of Umeda Store Advertisement1968 November 30
October 26
September 15
August 28
July 31
July 01
June 21Abenobashi Underground Shopping Center (Abenobashi Underground Center) opened
Groundbreaking ceremony for the first phase of the Minami Underground Shopping Center (Niji no Machi)
Removal of the Auto Corner at Umeda Underground Center Special Sales Office (to expand the subway Higashi Umeda Station)
Formed Abenobashi Underground Center Promotion Association
Established Minami Underground Shopping Center Co., Ltd.
Groundbreaking ceremony for the second stage of the Umeda Underground Shopping Center
Founder Association of Minami Underground Shopping Center Co., Ltd.1967 October 16
June 18
June 16Application for recruitment of applicants entering the Abenobashi Underground Shopping Center (16th to 30th)
Reorganization of famous products corner
Reorganization of stores with the taste of Umeda Underground Center1966 July 01
July 01
June 02
May 01Opened Dojima Underground Shopping Center (Dojima Underground Center)
Completion of a fountain around the Ume Umeda Underground Center ground supply and exhaust tower
Formation of the Dojima Underground Center Store Association
Construction of the Abenobashi Underground Shopping Center1965 November 20 Formed the National Federation of Underground Shopping Centers 
-
1964 November 05
February 28Completion of improvement work at Nanba Underground Center
Completed construction of the plumbing tower at Umeda Underground Center1963 November 29
November 14
April 15Umeda Underground Shopping Center 1st term (Umeda Underground Center) opened
Established the Umeda Underground Center Promotion Association
Completion of air conditioning enhancement work at Nanba Underground Center1962 August 14
March 01Completed removal of Umeda arcade, transferred to underground shopping mall
Start of air conditioning enhancement work at Nanba Underground Center1961 March 03
February 01Groundbreaking ceremony for the Umeda Underground Shopping Center
Recruitment of Umeda Underground Shopping Center1959 June 30 Completion of air conditioning enhancement work at Nanba Underground Center 1958 October 01 Preparatory work for the construction of the Umeda Underground Shopping Center 1957 December 18
September 01
August 01Opened Namba Underground Shopping Center (Namba Underground Center)
Recruitment of Namba Underground Shopping Center Recruitment Advertisement (Asahi, Mainichi, Sankei Newspaper)
Established Nanba Underground Center Famous Store Association1956 September 29
August 01
June 13Groundbreaking ceremony for the Namba Underground Shopping Center
Recruitment of Namba Underground Shopping Center (advertisement in Sankei Shimbun)
Establishment of the Company1955 November 29 Held the 1st Preparatory Committee for Establishment of Osaka Underground Shopping Center Co., Ltd. 
