'Myaku-Myaku' cosplayer delights Osaka Expo visitors, amid calls to observe rules
OSAKA -- Someone dressed up as Myaku-Myaku, the official mascot of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, was a recent star attraction at the Expo venue, with many visitors asking to take photos together and elementary school students reaching out for handshakes.
While social media opinion has been mixed on people entering the Expo venue in cosplay or fancy dress, the event's official website states that visitors can come in "wearing anything that is not prohibited." It points out, however, that visitors "may be refused entry if they are likely to cause (a) nuisance to other visitors or cause anxiety or fear," and further states that entry "may be refused if they are wearing a mask or clothing that obscures most of their face."
A Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition representative said of cosplaying at the venue, "We don't want people to stop it, and if people observe the rules, they can enter," while adding, "It's a question of degree. The approach is really case-by-case."
During the "Japan Expo" event, a festival of Japanese culture held on April 26 and 27 at the Expo venue, one cosplay stage participant pointed out, "Wearing noticeable outfits makes us easy targets. Just because we're abiding by the rules, that doesn't mean anything goes, and it's not good to go overboard. It's really difficult."
They continued, "Those who have been doing this for a long time want to cherish cosplay culture. I've made many friends through cosplay myself."
(Japanese original by Takehiko Onishi, Osaka Photo and Video Department)
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