Baltic Pavilion to Donate 140 Expo Mascot Plushies After Theft

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In mid-May, a MYAKU-MYAKU mascot was stolen from the Baltic Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. MYAKU-MYAKU, the official character of the Expo, had been displayed alongside Barabi-chan, the pavilion's own mascot. The Baltic Pavilion is jointly presented by Lithuania and Latvia.

After the theft was reported, visitors began bringing MYAKU-MYAKU plushies in support. Around 140 items were collected and displayed at the pavilion until May 30.

Now, the pavilion is passing on that goodwill by donating the items to various institutions, including children's facilities.

A Flood of Support

A pavilion representative said, "In the Baltic countries, there's a saying that even if life takes something away, it gives back something even more wonderful." They added that although Barabi-chan lost the original MYAKU-MYAKU, "she has made new friends and is feeling happy again."

*Screenshot of the Baltics Pavilion's Instagram post featuring Barabi-chan.*

"Now it's our turn to bring joy," the message continued, noting that the donated items will be "sent to people who need a smile."

Meet the Characters

According to the Expo's website, MYAKU-MYAKU is a mysterious creature made of red cells that can divide and multiply, and blue water that flows and changes shape freely. Its name comes from myaku, meaning "pulse" in Japanese, with the repetition symbolizing the continuous flow of life, knowledge, and culture.

Barabi-chan, on the other hand, is a talking mushroom named after the Latvian and Lithuanian word for porcini. He represents the spirit of the Baltic forests.