Osaka Kansai Expo 2025

[thomas]

Yesterday, the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition unveiled the official mascot for the 2025 Osaka Expo.

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Shapeshifter, mutated cookie monster or Cthulhu creature of Lovecraftian proportions, online media called it everything from kooky, terrifying, to cartoonish.

The event organizer, the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, unveiled the bizarre creation on March 22. It was chosen out of 1,898 mascot designs submitted in a public competition. The winning design was created by a Tokyo-based group of designers called "mountain mountain," led by graphic designer Kohei Yamashita. A screening committee's 11 members including graphic designers chose it from the final three candidates. The official mascot has a blue body that carries the expo's bright red logo on its head. Its blue body represents water and the ability to change shapes. The logo is comprised of red cells, embodying the "brilliance of life." The group of designers said the theme of the mascot is the "potential for diversity and change."

All eyes on Osaka Expo's kooky, cartoonish official mascot | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

Here are some inspirations from Twitter.

 

[Grandpa Frank]

I would have picked this one.

 

[thomas]

So far, the Osaka Expo has been plagued by delays, and many have questioned whether the curtain will rise on the expo on time. As of last July, not a single country had started constructing self-built pavilions, as the Osaka Municipal Government has not even received any of the required applications for construction. With labour shortages and sudden increases in the cost of building supplies, progress is stalled on contracts with domestic construction companies.

Now, the first two countries have pulled the plug: Mexico and Estonia have withdrawn from constructing their expo pavilions.

While not going into detail out of diplomatic consideration, Jimi said the domestic fiscal situation in the two nations was behind their decision. Mexico had initially planned to build a Type A pavilion in which the nation covers the construction cost. Jimi did not divulge what type of pavilion Estonia had been contemplating. Jimi also said nine nations, including Denmark and Finland, and one international organization had newly expressed their intention to take part in the world expo scheduled to open in April 2025. The two-day international conference here that opened on Nov. 14 was intended to provide representatives with information about the expo, such as what procedures had to be completed for the pavilions as well as the state of venue construction.

Mexico, Estonia withdraw from expo pavilion construction | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition announced that 153 countries and regions have agreed to join the expo, which will run for 184 days starting 13 April 2025. The participating countries and regions will showcase their pavilions in three different ways. Type A pavilions are self-funded and self-built by the countries themselves. Type B pavilions use the facilities provided by the expo association, while Type C pavilions are shared among several countries or regions.

However, the construction of Type A pavilions, which will host about 50 countries such as Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands, is facing delays. These pavilions require the countries to sign contracts with construction companies and get approval from the Osaka Municipal Government to build temporary structures. The expo association initially planned to finish the construction by July 2024 and the interior work by January 2025. But so far, Osaka has not received any applications.

 

[thomas]

After Mexico and Estonia, Russia, too, has decided to pull out from the Osaka Expo. Not that anyone seems to be displeased by that move.

A Russian representative told a plenary session of the Bureau of International Expositions in Paris that Moscow has decided to refrain from participating in the World Expo in Osaka "amid the lack of efficient communication with the host." The official did not elaborate further. [...] "We would not assume Russia's participation in the Osaka-Kansai Expo if there will be no change in the current situation" surrounding the country's invasion of Ukraine, Hanako Jimi, the minister in charge of the expo, told reporters Friday. The ongoing invasion conflicts with the event's theme of "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," she said.

Russia withdraws from 2025 World Expo in Osaka - The Mainichi

PARIS (Kyodo) -- Russia said Tuesday it will withdraw from the World Exposition in Japan's Osaka planned for 2025.

mainichi.jp

 

[thomas]

Around 1,000 Expo guides have begun their training, a key part of which is mastering the three levels of bowing used to express respect, gratitude, and apology.

Photo credit: Kyodo​

Around 1,000 guides are expected to greet visitors during the Expo, which will run from 13 April to 13 October next year on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay. Their primary responsibilities will be giving directions around the venue and responding to cases such as dealing with a lost child. The hourly wage of 1,850 yen ($12) has proved attractive, with the job application ratio at more than 28 to one. Kanako Ura is among those who have been accepted. She said she applied for the job after learning about her family's past involvement in the Expo. Her grandfather and mother staged a demonstration of iaido -- a Japanese martial art-- at the 1970 Osaka Expo. The Osaka resident acknowledged the difficulty of using different bowing gestures depending on the situation but said she hopes to get by. "I want to connect with visitors," she said.

Visitors to 2025 Osaka Expo to get taste of Japan's custom of bowing - The Mainichi

OSAKA (Kyodo) -- When visitors come to the World Expo in Osaka next year, guides for the global event will welcome them with the Japanese customary gr

mainichi.jp

 

[thomas]

Some positive news about the Expo, for a change: The roof of the Osaka Expo ring has been recognised as the largest wooden structure in the world.

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Guinness World Records announced on Tuesday that the Grand Ring, the main attraction of the 2025 Osaka Expo, had been recognised as the largest wooden structure in the world. The award ceremony took place at Yumeshima, an artificial island where the expo is set to begin on 13 April. The ring-shaped roof, covering 60,000 square metres, holds the record for the largest building area for a wooden structure. Sosuke Fujimoto, the venue's designer, expressed hope that the Grand Ring would convey a strong message about connecting diverse worlds during the expo. The structure measures about 2 kilometres in circumference, stands up to 20 metres high, and has an outer diameter of 675 metres. It surrounds the pavilions of participating countries and reflects the event's theme of "unity in diversity."

Osaka Expo ring roof recognized as world's largest wooden structure

The 60,000-square-meter Grand Ring has the largest building area on record for a wooden structure, according to Guinness World Records.

www.japantimes.co.jp

Osaka Expo roof recognized as world's biggest wooden structure

The grand roof at the venue for the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka, western Japan, was recognized as the world's largest wooden architectural structure by Guinness World Records.

english.kyodonews.net

 

[thomas]

Is anyone planning on visiting the Expo?

The official opening ceremony was held today, and it will be open to the public as of tomorrow:

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Official Website

World Expo 2025 will be held in Osaka, Kansai, Japan! Designing Future Society for Our Lives.

www.expo2025.or.jp

Digital Map:

EXPO 2025 Visitors

EXPO 2025 Visitorsは大阪・関西万博の来場者向け公式ポータルサイトです。会場マップ、パビリオンやイベントの最新情報などを提供しております。

www.expovisitors.expo2025.or.jp

News:

Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 opens; 28.2 million visitors expected | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

Osaka Expo opening ceremony to be held Saturday | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

The opening ceremony of the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, western Japan, will be held on Saturday. The doors swing open to the public the following day.

www3.nhk.or.jp

Osaka Expo to kick off showcasing space tech, AI and flying cars

Six-month fair expects to attract 28 million visitors

asia.nikkei.com

 

[thomas]

Seven-Eleven Japan Co. is set to launch two convenience stores at the World Exposition in Osaka this Sunday, offering a glimpse into what the company envisions for its stores in 2030. These futuristic outlets will feature cutting-edge technology, including avatar robots operated remotely and energy-generating floors that produce electricity with every step.

A remotely controlled "newme" avatar robot at the Osaka Expo (photo credit: Kyodo)​

Located on Yumeshima, an artificial island hosting the expo, the stores will offer standard items like drinks, rice balls, and freshly made Japanese sweets, such as fish-shaped taiyaki and sweet rice dumplings known as dango.

Customers will be assisted by "new me" avatar robots developed by ANA Holdings Inc.'s startup, Avatarin Inc. These stick-shaped robots, equipped with wheels and screens displaying the faces of remote operators, will help guide shoppers through self-checkout stations.

7-Eleven stores of future to open at Osaka expo, with avatar robots

Seven-Eleven Japan Co. will open two convenience stores at the World Exposition in Osaka starting Sunday to showcase what it expects its outlets to look like in 2030, featuring service by remotely controlled avatar robots and floors that generate power when stepped on.

english.kyodonews.net

 

[thomas]

Three suits of Japanese samurai armour, originally presented to Malta in 1862 as part of a diplomatic delegation, have now been restored and reassembled by skilled conservators in Japan.

According to Heritage Malta, the restoration was made possible through a joint effort involving Heritage Malta, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and the Maltese Embassy in Japan. The restoration comes at a symbolic time, as Malta and Japan mark sixty years of diplomatic ties in 2025. In a significant gesture of cultural exchange, and through an initiative led by Malta Enterprise, one of the newly restored suits of samurai armour will be exhibited at the Malta Pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, alongside a historically important suit of armour belonging to the Order of St John.

The Malta Pavilion will also feature reproductions of iconic Maltese artefacts, including a seated Neolithic figure, the Majmuna Stone, and the Phoenician Cippus. After the expo closes, the samurai armour will return to Malta and be displayed at the Grand Master's Palace in Valletta.

The samurai armours were donated during the visit of a Japanese delegation that included Yukichi Fukuzawa - a Samurai, educator, philosopher, and later a prominent figure in Japan's modernisation who founded the prestigious Keio University in Tokyo and whose portrait until recently featured on the Japanese 10,000 yen banknote. The delegation formed part of the Bunkyu Mission, which aimed to renegotiate unequal treaties and engaged in high-level diplomatic meetings across Europe. One of the pieces remained on display at the Grand Master's Palace Armoury until the onset of World War II, when it was moved to underground storage to protect it from bombings.

Restored Samurai armour to feature at Osaka Kansai 2025 expo

Following the expo it will be put on display at the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta

timesofmalta.com

 

[thomas]

I know that the notion of press freedom doesn't apply in this case, still...

Organisers of the Osaka Kansai Expo have issued a press pass to the official newspaper of the Japanese Communist Party, following earlier refusals to allow the publication access to preview events. On 21 April, the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition granted a one-time press pass to Akahata (しんぶん赤旗, Red Flag).

According to Akahata, the association had previously denied the newspaper access to the Expo's test run, held between 4 and 6 April, and a media preview on 9 April. The association reportedly informed the publication that it had not been invited, citing internal guidelines.

Akahata lodged a formal protest against the decision. In response, the organisers later reversed their stance, referencing a precedent from the 2005 Aichi Expo, where Akahata had been issued temporary accreditation. For the Osaka Kansai Expo, which continues until 13 October, the association has agreed to provide Akahata with single-use passes for each press conference and media event on request rather than issuing full accreditation.

JCP newspaper granted access to Osaka expo after initial rejection | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

 

[thomas]

British tea debacle at Osaka Expo averted:

Britain’s $45 afternoon tea set served with paper cups at Osaka Expo seen to be in bad taste

A post deploring the quality of the tea set – including “a tea bag stuck in a paper cup” – went viral on X. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

www.straitstimes.com

British pavilion at expo improves afternoon tea set after online stir

The British pavilion at the World Exposition in Osaka has improved the quality of its 5,000 yen ($35) afternoon tea set, with the drinks now served in ceramics instead of paper cups, following online criticism.

english.kyodonews.net

 

[salyavin]

 

[Lothor]

British tea debacle at Osaka Expo averted:

Britain’s $45 afternoon tea set served with paper cups at Osaka Expo seen to be in bad taste

A post deploring the quality of the tea set – including “a tea bag stuck in a paper cup” – went viral on X. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

www.straitstimes.com

British pavilion at expo improves afternoon tea set after online stir

The British pavilion at the World Exposition in Osaka has improved the quality of its 5,000 yen ($35) afternoon tea set, with the drinks now served in ceramics instead of paper cups, following online criticism.

english.kyodonews.net

A post on this topic has already got 78 comments on the British Expats in Japan page on Facebook. Many people think that the afternoon tea reflects the British ethos of overpriced goods with poor service.

 

[mdchachi]

A post on this topic has already got 78 comments on the British Expats in Japan page on Facebook. Many people think that the afternoon tea reflects the British ethos of overpriced goods with poor service.

So it's an authentic experience!

 

[thomas]

I would have kept the historical ticket.

A man holding a ticket to the 1940 "international exposition" — initially planned for Tokyo but cancelled indefinitely due to the intensifying Second Sino-Japanese War — was granted entry to Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, on 5 May, exchanging the decades-old ticket for a one-day adult pass.

Photo credit: Mainichi

The cancelled 1940 event was officially named the "2600 Japan International Exposition," reflecting the imperial calendar beginning in 660 B.C. Historians and enthusiasts refer to it as the "phantom expo. " Some unused tickets, never refunded amid wartime confusion, have since been honoured at later expositions, including the 1970 Expo in Osaka.

The ticket holder, 25-year-old Fumiya Takenawa from Tokyo's Suginami Ward, was visiting his parents in Osaka Prefecture. An avid fan of the 1970 Expo's iconic "Tower of the Sun," he collects memorabilia from past world fairs. In March, he purchased the 1940 ticket online and initially displayed it at home, but curiosity led him to inquire with the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition. After confirming the ticket's authenticity and eligibility, the association agreed to accept it.

Man gets admission to Osaka Expo with ticket for 1940 event that never took place - The Mainichi

OSAKA -- A man with an admission ticket to the

mainichi.jp

 

[Petaris]

I would have kept the historical ticket.

A man holding a ticket to the 1940 "international exposition" — initially planned for Tokyo but cancelled indefinitely due to the intensifying Second Sino-Japanese War — was granted entry to Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, on 5 May, exchanging the decades-old ticket for a one-day adult pass.

View attachment 127118
Photo credit: Mainichi

The cancelled 1940 event was officially named the "2600 Japan International Exposition," reflecting the imperial calendar beginning in 660 B.C. Historians and enthusiasts refer to it as the "phantom expo. " Some unused tickets, never refunded amid wartime confusion, have since been honoured at later expositions, including the 1970 Expo in Osaka.

The ticket holder, 25-year-old Fumiya Takenawa from Tokyo's Suginami Ward, was visiting his parents in Osaka Prefecture. An avid fan of the 1970 Expo's iconic "Tower of the Sun," he collects memorabilia from past world fairs. In March, he purchased the 1940 ticket online and initially displayed it at home, but curiosity led him to inquire with the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition. After confirming the ticket's authenticity and eligibility, the association agreed to accept it.

Man gets admission to Osaka Expo with ticket for 1940 event that never took place - The Mainichi

OSAKA -- A man with an admission ticket to the

mainichi.jp

At least it wasn't a family heirloom or anything. I agree with Thomas though, I would have kept it if I was into collecting such things as this person is.

 

[mdchachi]

That would be my first inclination too but I think he made the right call. He got value and made some profit off of it. The alternative is that it will likely be sitting in a box, rarely seen, until he eventually passes to be sold or thrown out by his heirs.

 

[salyavin]

Yea we helped my father downsize. Really most of us do not want my father's old stuff. A sister of mine had lots of room in her basement so she put a lot in there to make him feel better then when he passes she plans to throw it out as most has little value. The same would apply to my stuff, I believe my kids would mostly throw it out. Many of us keep collectibles and things (including me!) and many just sit in a box as mdchachi said, just so you have it and the items connection to good memories. I've been thinking about that as I slowly prepare for what is planned to be a permanent move abroad, I need to sell or otherwise get rid of most of our stuff as that approaches. If I had stayed and kept all that stuff someone would have to dispose of it later when I passed.

 

[Grandpa Frank]

Collections are my weakness. I have a collection of comic books , old books , a bunch of old antiques , guns & ammo ,tools of every kind that I could sell , but never get the urge to do it.

 

[salyavin]

I have my old Star Wars toys from the 70s and Doctor Who and other collectables from decades ago. Loved them dearly but they have sat in boxes for decades. my wife has just started to mention it that we will not have enough room in our future house, you cannot store it with your father any more. She is very gentle and correct.

 

[Grandpa Frank]

My wife rides my back non-stop about letting go , LOL.

 

[mdchachi]

Yea we helped my father downsize. Really most of us do not want my father's old stuff. A sister of mine had lots of room in her basement so she put a lot in there to make him feel better then when he passes she plans to throw it out as most has little value. The same would apply to my stuff, I believe my kids would mostly throw it out. Many of us keep collectibles and things (including me!) and many just sit in a box as mdchachi said, just so you have it and the items connection to good memories. I've been thinking about that as I slowly prepare for what is planned to be a permanent move abroad, I need to sell or otherwise get rid of most of our stuff as that approaches. If I had stayed and kept all that stuff someone would have to dispose of it later when I passed.

Or spend hundreds of dollars for a storage unit to keep your treasures. If you stop paying eventually your stuff may be auctioned off in an episode of Storage Wars.

 

[thomas]

Open restrooms for toddlers at the Osaka Kansai Expo, designed to let parents easily help out their kids, were criticised for violating children's human rights.

That reminds me of my army days...

Photo from a concerned mother via Asahi

Children’s ‘open’ restroom at Osaka expo site causes a stir | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

 

[thomas]

Rock musician Hyde, lead vocalist of L'Arc-en-Ciel, recently visited the Austrian pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, where he met with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. Since January 2024, Hyde has been serving as Austria's tourism ambassador, a role he took on in recognition of his longstanding impact on the music scene. In June of the previous year, he shot a music video in Vienna, and he has since continued to promote Austria through his social media platforms and other channels.

Photo credit: Umeda Maiko via Mainichi

The L'Arc-en-Ciel singer was appointed as tourism ambassador in recognition of his contributions to the music industry over the years, and last June, he filmed a music video in the capital of Vienna. He has been actively promoting the country through his social media accounts and other means.

Japan rock star Hyde serving as tourism ambassador meets Austrian leader at Osaka Expo - The Mainichi

OSAKA -- Rock musician Hyde, who has been serving as a tourism ambassador for Austria since January 2024, met Austrian President Alexander Van der Bel

mainichi.jp

HYDEさんはオーストリア観光大使

ミュージシャン HYDEさんのオーストリア観光大使の任期は、2024年1月1日から2025年12月までの2年間で、音楽と文化の魅力あふれる旅行先・オーストリアを、自身のSNSや多彩な音楽活動を通じて紹介しています。

www.austria.info

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[thomas]

Mascot characters from around the globe prove to be a big hit at the Expo 2025.

Many pavilions offer scheduled photo opportunities with their mascots, who shake hands and give hugs to fans. The characters are working hard to appeal to visitors in Japan, where the culture of "yuru-chara" or laid-back characters, has taken root. At the centre of a crowd in front of the Germany Pavilion was Circular, a round-shaped mascot. Its soft and bouncy texture makes it especially endearing. The theme of the Germany Pavilion is the circular economy, and the mascot was inspired by Japan's "kawaii culture." A woman visiting from Osaka said, "I'm happy they understand Japanese culture."

In Photos: Unique mascots from various countries popular among Osaka Expo visitors - The Mainichi

The Germany Pavilion's mascot Circular, right, and a Beethoven character are seen at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai in Osaka's Konohana Ward on May 20, 2025.

mainichi.jp

Meanwhile, the joint pavilion of Latvia and Lithuania is inundated with "donations" after their mascots were stolen.

Photo credit: Nagao Makiko via Mainichi

Many Osaka Expo mascot toys donated to Baltic Pavilion after theft - The Mainichi

OSAKA -- The Baltic Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai has become a new photo hot spot, with visitors giving the site official expo mascot plush toys

mainichi.jp