Mastodawn

#MyakuMyaku (of #2025OsakaExpo fame) is going to be a ... gravure idol???

A ceremony has been held to mark the relocation of two statues of Myaku-Myaku, the official mascot of the 2025 World Exposition, near the Tower of the Sun monument, the symbol of the 1970 expo. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/02/22/japan/myaku-myaku-statues-relocation/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #myakumyaku #osaka #2025osakaexpo #hirofumiyoshimura

Myaku-Myaku statues relocated near 1970 expo's Tower of Sun

The Myaku-Myaku statues welcomed visitors near the Osaka Expo venue's gates on the artificial island of Yumeshima.

The Japan Times

The Japan Times Jan 8

The Osaka city government has announced plans to sell about 500,000 square meters of prime land at the center of what was once the site of the Osaka Expo, sparking concerns about preserving the event's legacy. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/01/08/japan/osaka-expo-legacy-debate/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #osaka #2025osakaexpo #casinos

Debate begins on how to sustain legacy of Osaka Expo

Despite concerns about being able to preserve the legacy of the Osaka Expo, the city government is standing by its plan to sell about 500,000 square meters of land at the site.

The Japan Times

The Japan Times Dec 29

If Japan’s art scene was to be summarized in one word it would be “abundance.” Art was plentiful, albeit quiet, though some curation decisions pushed it outside the status quo. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025/12/29/art/art-in-japan-2025/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #culture #art #2025inreview #art #2025osakaexpo #tadaoando #soufujimoto #aichitrienalle #setouchitrienalle #goforgokei #osakaartanddesign #momat

A year of plenty: Endless art shows, subtle curation of themes

Japan’s art scene was bursting with public enthusiasm, overflowing exhibition halls and more art festivals vying for attention.

The Japan Times

The Japan Times Dec 9

Empress Masako turned 62 on Tuesday with reinforced hopes for lasting peace as she reflected on her visits this year to places associated with World War II. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/12/09/japan/empress-masako-birthday/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #empressmasako #imperialfamily #mongolia #wwii #atomicbombings #2025osakaexpo #earthquakes #health

Empress Masako turns 62 with stronger hopes for peace

The empress said that this year deeply reminded her once again of the importance of preserving lasting peace.

The Japan Times

The Japan Times Dec 4

The economic impact of the Osaka Expo is estimated to have reached $19.6 billion, a private-sector survey has shown. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/12/04/japan/osaka-expo-economic-impact/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #2025osakaexpo #tourism

Myaku-Myaku pushes Osaka Expo's economic impact up to estimated ¥3 trillion

The figure surpassed last year’s projection of ¥2.75 trillion, thanks to the popularity of goods featuring the expo’s official mascot Myaku-Myaku, according to a survey.

The Japan Times

The Japan Times Nov 28

Traditional Japanese "hina" dolls featuring this year's iconic people and events have been unveiled in Tokyo. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11/28/japan/doll-tokyo-showcase/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #tokyo #hina #ichirosuzuki #shinzoabe #sanaetakaichi #rice #2025osakaexpo

Dolls featuring iconic figures and events from 2025 showcased in Tokyo

Among the featured kawaribina dolls were those of Ichiro Suzuki, 52, who was inducted into the baseball halls of fame in both Japan and the United States.

The Japan Times

The Japan Times Oct 16, 2025

Nearly 70% of Japanese companies believe that the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka was beneficial to the domestic economy, a survey by research firm Teikoku Databank showed. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/10/16/japanese-firms-expo-economic-benefits/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #business #2025osakaexpo

Nearly 70% of Japanese firms see economic benefits from expo

The proportion of companies that cited positive economic impacts from the expo, held from April 13 through Oct. 13, reached 67.5%.

The Japan Times

The Japan Times Oct 15, 2025

The 2025 World Exposition in the city of Osaka, which concluded on Monday, attracted a total of 25,578,986 visitors during its 184-day run. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/10/15/japan/osaka-expo-visitors-exceed-25-million/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #2025osakaexpo #tourism #osaka

Osaka Expo drew 25.57 million visitors over 184 days

A total of 207,889 people visited the site on Monday, the last day of the event.

The Japan Times

The Japan Times Oct 15, 2025

Though the Osaka Expo has come to a close, many local governments are eager to capitalize on the success of the international event to attract tourists while the positive effects last. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/10/15/japan/local-governments-expo/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #2025osakaexpo #tourism #localgovernment

Local governments bank on Osaka Expo's success to draw in tourists

During the 184-day expo, prefectural governments engaged in promotional activities to attract tourists and publicize local culture through pavilions and events.

The Japan Times