Core Points - Kansai International Airport in Japan is facing a continuous sinking crisis, which has become an urgent issue to address within the country [1] - The airport, operational since 1994, is unique as it is built on an artificial island and is Japan's first 24-hour airport, avoiding noise and proximity issues [1] Group 1 - Kansai International Airport was recognized as the world's best baggage handling airport in 2024, maintaining a perfect record of no lost luggage for over a decade [2] - The airport is constructed on a 20-meter thick clay sediment layer, and due to insufficient compaction during reclamation, it is sinking more than initially predicted, with the first island having sunk 13.66 meters and the second island 17.47 meters [2] - Although the sinking rate is currently less than 10 centimeters per year and is considered manageable, engineers predict that some areas may fall below sea level in the next 30 years [2] Group 2 - To combat the sinking issue, Japan has implemented emergency measures, including the construction of a seawall around the islands, which has been raised to about 5 meters above sea level since 2004 to withstand "once in 50 years" waves [2]