Expo 2025 official mascot MYAKU-MYAKU (center), Ireland Pavilion mascot Oona the puffin (top left), EU Pavilion mascot Europa (bottom left), Canada Pavilion mascot Parka (top right), and USA Pavilion's mascot Spark. (Mascot photos ©Sankei by Miyako Nagumo)
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, was brought to life by a host of charming mascots representing various pavilions. These included animals representing different countries, such as China's panda, Australia's koala, and Canada's beaver. The mascots also featured whimsical, fantastical creatures, including MYAKU-MYAKU.
Highlights
René, the Czech Pavilion's light green mascot covered in eyes, drew attention for its resemblance to MYAKU-MYAKU. This earned it the nickname "MYAKU-MYAKU's friend."
Other unique characters, such as Italia-chan — a girl representing the fusion of Italian and Japanese cultures—welcomed visitors at their respective pavilions.
Mascot Festival
In September, the Expo held the "EXPO Attendant × Character World Festival." The event brought together the mascots for a lively gathering. A popularity poll crowned Circular, the mascot of the German Pavilion, as the winner.
Hello Kitty also made a special appearance as a DJ, adding to the excitement of the event.
The Expo concluded its 184-day run on October 13, attracting an estimated total of more than 28 million general visitors.
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(Read the article in Japanese.)
Author: Miyako Nagumo, The Sankei Shimbun
