Latest news with #AurelijusZykas
Yomiuri Shimbun
18-05-2025
- Yomiuri Shimbun
2025 Expo Osaka: Japan Expo Mascot Toys Donated to Baltic Pavilion After Theft; Donated Items Put on Display Near Pavilion Entrance
The Yomiuri Shimbun Donated Myaku-Myaku stuffed toys are seen on display near the entrance of the Baltic Pavilion at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo on Saturday. OSAKA — Stuffed toys of Myaku-Myaku, the official character of the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, and other items have been donated to the Baltic Pavilion from visitors since the theft of the character toy from near the entrance of the Latvia-Lithuania joint pavilion. Lithuanian Ambassador to Japan Aurelijus Zykas posted on X on Friday that the plush toy had suddenly disappeared. Thirteen items, including Myaku-Myaku plush toys, were donated as of 8 p.m. Saturday. Zykas posted a message on X, saying, 'Myaku-Myakus are arriving at the Baltic Pavilion. I sincerely thank all the people in Japan who have shown their goodwill.' According to the pavilion, a staff member noticed the stuffed toy had disappeared at around noon Tuesday. Security camera footage showed two visitors moving around the pavilion after one put the stuffed toy into a bag. After Zykas posted the footage on X on Friday, visitors begun bringing stuffed toys to the pavilion. The donations have been put on display near where the original toy was stolen. On Saturday, a 47-year-old company employee from Nara City donated a Myaku-Myaku plush toy. 'I didn't want the people at the Baltic Pavilion, who came all the way to Japan, to finish their experience at the expo with a bad memory,' he said. 'I hope good will spreads.'
The Mainichi
17-05-2025
- The Mainichi
Baltic Pavilion calls for return of stolen Osaka expo mascot figure
OSAKA (Kyodo) -- The Baltic Pavilion at the World Exposition in Osaka said Friday that its display of the expo's official mascot, Myaku-Myaku, was stolen from the reception area, prompting officials to call for the return of the character figure that has gone viral among visitors. "Very sadly, hardworking Myaku-Myaku at the Baltic Pavilion suddenly disappeared. Any idea where Myaku-Myaku is now?" Lithuanian Ambassador to Japan Aurelijus Zykas said on social media as his country is showcasing exhibits in the pavilion with Latvia. The post on X also included security camera footage showing two people snatching the red and blue mascot figure. According to the pavilion, a staff member noticed the figure was missing from the reception area around noon on Tuesday. "It is regrettable that such a theft occurred at the expo site. We want it to be returned," a pavilion official said. Myaku-Myaku -- a mysterious creature said to be born from the fusion of cells and water -- was initially seen by some as creepy, with five eyeballs scattered around a bobbly, doughnut-shaped red ring, another eye on its tail and a dripping blue body. But it has gained popularity among visitors since the expo opened on April 13, with long lines forming as people try to take photos with a Myaku-Myaku statue at the venue and merchandise selling well.
Kyodo News
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
Baltic Pavilion calls for return of stolen Osaka expo mascot figure
KYODO NEWS - 3 minutes ago - 20:26 | All, Expo, Japan The Baltic Pavilion at the World Exposition in Osaka said Friday that its display of the expo's official mascot, Myaku-Myaku, was stolen from the reception area, prompting officials to call for the return of the character figure that has gone viral among visitors. "Very sadly, hardworking Myaku-Myaku at the Baltic Pavilion suddenly disappeared. Any idea where Myaku-Myaku is now?" Lithuanian Ambassador to Japan Aurelijus Zykas said on social media as his country is showcasing exhibits in the pavilion with Latvia. The post on X also included security camera footage showing two people snatching the red and blue mascot figure. According to the pavilion, a staff member noticed the figure was missing from the reception area around noon on Tuesday. "It is regrettable that such a theft occurred at the expo site. We want it to be returned," a pavilion official said. Myaku-Myaku -- a mysterious creature said to be born from the fusion of cells and water -- was initially seen by some as creepy, with five eyeballs scattered around a bobbly, doughnut-shaped red ring, another eye on its tail and a dripping blue body. But it has gained popularity among visitors since the expo opened on April 13, with long lines forming as people try to take photos with a Myaku-Myaku statue at the venue and merchandise selling well. Related coverage: Osaka Expo draws 119,000 visitors on opening day amid rain Organizers, visitors bracing for hot weather at Osaka World Expo 7-Eleven stores of future to open at Osaka expo, with avatar robots
