VOL.205 JULY 2025
EXPO 2025 OSAKA, KANSAI, JAPAN: THE CHARM OF KANSAI [Column] Say Hello to the Expo Mascots – A Simple Guide in English

Birthplace  A small spring somewhere in Kansai.
Personality  Friendly but goofy, often making silly mistakes.
Special Skills  Able to change its shape into various forms and finding rainbows after it rains.
Favourite Thing to Do  Interacting with all kinds of living beings and things.

The official character of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan is MYAKU-MYAKU, a mysterious creature born from the fusion of cells and water. The name comes from the Japanese word myaku-myaku, which means something that is passed down from generation to generation—like human DNA, knowledge, technology, history, and culture. The blue part of MYAKU-MYAKU’s body shows pure water, which can flow and change shape, and the red part shows cells, the symbol of life.

The character was created by YAMASHITA Kohei, a designer and picture book author. He wanted to turn the Expo logo into a character.

MYAKU-MYAKU is always looking for what it wants to be. That’s why it keeps changing shape. Its current form looks a bit like a person. MYAKU-MYAKU’s changing body shows the Expo’s ideas of evolution and diversity.

You can meet MYAKU-MYAKU at MYAKU-MYAKU House in the Empowering Lives Zone—why not stop by for a visit? 

MYAKU-MYAKU is traveling the world to promote Expo 2025!

Characters from other country pavilions are also worth checking out!

Circular is based on the theme of the German Pavilion: the circular economy. It has a round shape that shows the idea of a ‘circle.’ At the pavilion entrance, visitors can get a hand-sized Circular. If you hold it over the touchpoints inside the pavilion, it gives you information in Japanese, English, and German!

Italia-chan is a character that shows the spirit of Italy as a person. Her headpiece includes an olive branch (a symbol of peace), an oak branch (a symbol of strength and dignity), and a castle crown, from Italy’s national emblem. A cherry blossom on her head and the kimono in Italian flag’s colors show the connection between Japan and Italy.

René is a ‘Exponaut’ from the Czech Republic galaxy. He represents the Czechia Pavilion’s main theme: Talent and Creativity for Life. His name comes from René Roubíček, a famous Czech glass artist who was featured at Expo 1970 in Osaka. At the pavilion, visitors can also see an original glass sculpture of René. This character is known for being kimokawaii (‘strange and adorable’) and is a good friend of MYAKU-MYAKU.

Europa shows the spirit, values, and vision for the future of the European Union. She stands for unity, freedom, creativity, and sustainability. Her name comes from a princess in Greek mythology, who gave her name to the continent of Europe. Her outfit takes its colors from the EU flag and is inspired by Japanese manga. The blue in her clothing represents confidence, trust, and sincerity. The yellow stands for joy and energy. Her cape is decorated with golden stars from the EU flag, showing unity, solidarity, and harmony among Europeans.

Characters from around the world are coming together at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan—each one filled with the culture, hopes, and dreams of their country. There are still many more exciting characters waiting to be discovered. We hope you’ll visit the Expo and find your own favorite! 

By TANAKA Nozomi
Photo: ©Expo 2025; ©German Expo Pavilion/facts and fiction; ©︎TOKIDOKI,LLC.Designed by Simone Legno; Office of the Czech Commissioner General,EXPO 2025