Osaka Expo succeeded less through attendance than through the runaway popularity of its oddball mascot, Myaku-Myaku, highlighting how distinctive characters can drive massive economic impact and shape regional identity. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2025/12/10/a-lovecraftian-terror-named-myaku-myaku/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #commentary #osakaworldexpo #myakumyaku #kumamonpikachu #hellokitty #zootopia2 #miraitowa #someity #bingdwendwen #fuwa #paddingtonbear #laeeb