(Myaku-Myaku Source: https://kodawari-times.net/blog/expo-2025-osaka-kansai-japan-myaku-myaku/)

Let me introduce you to the absolute star of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan—MYAKU-MYAKU, the lovable mascot that's set to steal hearts worldwide! Designed by the talented picture-book illustrator Kouhei Yamashita, MYAKU-MYAKU is more than just a cute face; it's a symbol of connection, growth, and a little bit of quirky magic that embodies the spirit of the Expo itself.

MYAKU-MYAKU isn't just any mascot; it’s got a unique backstory that makes it feel almost... alive! It’s said to have been born from a small spring somewhere in Kansai, which explains its mysterious, organic charm. Its body is made up of two distinct elements: the red, which represents cells that divide and increase, and the blue, which symbolizes water that can flow and transform. Together, these elements create a creature that is constantly evolving, much like the future that Expo 2025 promises to shape.

But what makes MYAKU-MYAKU truly special isn’t just its abstract symbolism—it’s also got an adorable and goofy personality that’s impossible not to love. Expo 2025 organizers have described MYAKU-MYAKU as friendly, clumsy, and downright charming. It loves interacting with all creatures and things, and it's even gone on a national tour around Japan, hyping everyone up for the Expo. You can just imagine this big, goofy creature wandering around cities, shaking hands (or, well, appendages), and spreading joy wherever it goes!

And let’s talk about that design for a second—how could you not be obsessed with it? It’s just so adorable! MYAKU-MYAKU’s bulbous, sunflower-like head is the first thing you’ll notice. It’s meant to represent a growing, dividing cell, constantly expanding with potential. Meanwhile, the blue part of its body is water, and MYAKU-MYAKU has this cool ability to absorb the rain and actually loves rainy days (how relatable is that?!). Its body is kind of human-like, though MYAKU-MYAKU wasn’t always sure what it wanted to be. According to the team behind it, MYAKU-MYAKU tried out a bunch of different forms before deciding to imitate humans, resulting in the cute, slightly awkward character we know today.

(Images by Expo 2025 Osaka)

MYAKU-MYAKU’s energy comes from nature. It loves soaking up the sun, basking in the rain, and being out in the world, meeting people and exploring its surroundings. In a way, MYAKU-MYAKU feels like the perfect companion for Expo 2025, a massive event that’s all about designing a future society for everyone. MYAKU-MYAKU’s playful spirit and ever-changing form remind us that the future is fluid, full of possibilities, and most importantly—fun!

As Expo 2025 rolls around (April 13 to October 13, 2025—mark your calendars!), you can expect MYAKU-MYAKU to be front and center, welcoming visitors from all over the globe with open arms, rolling eyeballs, and its signature sunflower head. Whether you’re attending the Expo in person or tuning in virtually, MYAKU-MYAKU will be there, spreading positivity, connection, and excitement for the future.

Another fun fact about MYAKU-MYAKU? Its name, which means "steadily pulsing" in Japanese, was chosen from a public contest with over 33,000 submissions. The name perfectly captures the mascot’s essence—a continuous, life-affirming rhythm that reflects the passing down of wisdom, culture, and technology from one generation to the next. This pulse-like connection between people and nations is what makes MYAKU-MYAKU the ideal symbol for an international event like Expo 2025.

And MYAKU-MYAKU isn’t just a local sensation—it’s already become a national icon in Japan. People have been raving about how it’s "creepy but cute" (which is totally part of its charm), and official merchandise has been selling out in minutes. Fans have been drawing their own MYAKU-MYAKU art, cosplayers are already transforming into this quirky character, and it’s only going to get bigger as the Expo approaches.

(Images by Expo 2025 Osaka)

But if you think MYAKU-MYAKU is only about being a cute face, think again. There's a whole deeper meaning behind its creation that ties directly into the Expo's theme of "Designing Future Society for Our Lives." MYAKU-MYAKU represents the harmonious fusion of life (cells) and the environment (water), symbolizing the importance of sustainability, connection, and innovation—values that will be explored in-depth at Expo 2025. It’s like MYAKU-MYAKU is the Expo in mascot form—constantly growing, changing, and embracing the unknown future with a smile.

So, whether you’re heading to Osaka for the Expo or following along online, MYAKU-MYAKU is one mascot you won’t want to miss. Its infectious energy and adorable personality are bound to make it a fan favorite, and who knows—maybe MYAKU-MYAKU will even inspire you to embrace the spirit of transformation and possibility in your own life!

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