Osaka Expo mascot Myaku-Myaku is going on a tour around Osaka this year

If you thought you’d seen the last of Myaku-Myaku, think again. Reluctant to let go of the appeal of the Expo’s wonderfully weird mascot, Osaka prefecture is giving the mascot’s famous statues a proper send-off – and a whole new life touring the region.

The two 3.85-metre-tall statues, which greeted visitors at the Osaka Expo’s East and West gates respectively, will begin their new life at Expo ’70 Commemorative Park in Suita. There’s even a ceremony to officially celebrate the occasion on February 21, where ‘Irasshai’ (Welcome) and ‘Waku Waku’ (Excitement) will be reunited.

The ceremony will run from 11am to 11.30am at Taiyo no Hiroba (Sun Plaza). The event’s programme includes throwback performances to the Expo with singer Rikka Ihara and comedy duo Fujisaki Market, plus performances by local bands and cheerleaders.

This is a free event but limited to 300 Osaka prefecture residents who will be selected by lottery. Applications close February 9 at 11.59pm – you can apply via the park’s website here.

After this, the statues will embark on a tour of Osaka prefecture, changing locations every three months. 

Full details are yet to be confirmed, but what we do know is that one stop will likely be Chihaya Park near the 1,125-metre summit of Mt Kongo. This will be for an event provisionally dubbed as ‘Myaku-Myaku Forest’ and will take place from September to November. 

Other events are slated for spring and early summer. For official dates of the full tour, check Osaka prefecture's website or watch this space for when and where to see the beloved mascot again.

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