Latest news with #BalticPavilion
Japan Forward
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Forward
Baltic Pavilion to Donate 140 Expo Mascot Plushies After Theft
このページを 日本語 で読む In mid-May, a MYAKU-MYAKU mascot was stolen from the Baltic Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. MYAKU-MYAKU, the official character of the Expo, had been displayed alongside Barabi-chan, the pavilion's own mascot. The Baltic Pavilion is jointly presented by Lithuania and Latvia. After the theft was reported, visitors began bringing MYAKU-MYAKU plushies in support. Around 140 items were collected and displayed at the pavilion until May 30. Now, the pavilion is passing on that goodwill by donating the items to various institutions, including children's facilities. A pavilion representative said, "In the Baltic countries, there's a saying that even if life takes something away, it gives back something even more wonderful." They added that although Barabi-chan lost the original MYAKU-MYAKU, "she has made new friends and is feeling happy again." Screenshot of the Baltics Pavilion's Instagram post featuring Barabi-chan. "Now it's our turn to bring joy," the message continued, noting that the donated items will be "sent to people who need a smile." According to the Expo's website, MYAKU-MYAKU is a mysterious creature made of red cells that can divide and multiply, and blue water that flows and changes shape freely. Its name comes from myaku , meaning "pulse" in Japanese, with the repetition symbolizing the continuous flow of life, knowledge, and culture. Barabi-chan, on the other hand, is a talking mushroom named after the Latvian and Lithuanian word for porcini. He represents the spirit of the Baltic forests. MYAKU-MYAKU poses in front of the symbolic Grand Ring at the Osaka Expo. Author: Nobuo Kurokawa, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
The Mainichi
29-05-2025
- The Mainichi
The Mainichi News Quiz: What's with all the plushies at the Baltics' Expo pavilion?
How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz to test your news knowledge. Ready? Why did visitors start bringing plush toys to the Baltic Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai? A) To celebrate the pavilion's opening day B) To commemorate a national holiday in Latvia and Lithuania C) In response to the theft of an official mascot plush toy
NHK
20-05-2025
- NHK
The moment the Osaka Expo mascot was stolen (vertical video)
A plush toy of the mascot vanished from the Baltic Pavilion at Expo 2025. Staff say they're not seeking punishment for Myaku-Myaku's kidnapping – but shared security footage as a gentle reminder: keep an eye on your stuff.
Japan Today
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Baltic Pavilion calls for return of stolen Osaka expo mascot figure
Photo taken Friday shows the reception of the Baltic Pavilion at the World Exposition in Osaka, where the stolen figure of the expo mascot "Myaku-Myaku" had been displayed with the pavilion's character "Barabi-chan." The Baltic Pavilion at the World Exposition in Osaka says 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 last 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
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.
