— First, let’s talk about your work. Could you briefly introduce yourself?

I’m originally from Osaka City. I joined the company right after graduating from high school and have been here ever since. I work in the Accounting Department, handling tasks like invoice checks, payment confirmations, and managing cash in the company safe. I was transferred to another department for a while, but eventually returned to accounting and have been here since.

— What are you into these days?

Lately, it’s all about the Expo for me—seriously! I’ve already been to the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 around seven times. I even went to the preview event run before the official opening!

— Wait, seven times!? Is it different each time you go?

Definitely! The atmosphere at the venue changes every time, and I also like to try different ways of getting there. I’ve gone by bus, subway, and even by boat! Taking the boat was especially refreshing—it felt like a mini getaway.

— What got you into the Expo in the first place?

It all started with the mascot character, Myaku-Myaku. I saw an acrylic stand of it lying down at a shop in Kintetsu Abeno Harukas—and its little butt was showing… it was just too cute! (laughs)

At first, I wasn’t so sure about the red part of the Expo logo, “The Brilliance of Life,” but now I find it adorable and absolutely love it.

— Which pavilions have you visited at the Expo?

I’ve been to quite a few—Indonesia, Malaysia, the UK, Australia, and Italy, about five or six in total. My favorite so far is a special exhibition called “Night Earth”.

— What’s “Night Earth” like?

There’s a huge globe right in the center, and the nightscapes of cities are beautifully depicted using gold leaf and Wajima lacquer. It’s incredibly dreamy and atmospheric. The space is dimly lit and cool inside, making it the perfect place to take a break from the heat outside. The flow moves quickly too, so even if there’s a line, you can get in fairly fast!

— Any other pavilions that left a strong impression?

The Australia Pavilion! As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by a vast natural landscape—it was such a surprise. Oh, and just in case you’re wondering, it doesn’t smell or anything. There are no live animals inside! (laughs).

— How much Myaku-Myaku merchandise have you collected?

I’ve got plushies, acrylic stands, pins—you name it! I have them displayed in little corners all around my house, and they make me smile every time I see them.

— What do you plan to do with the merch after the Expo ends?

I think I’ll keep my favorites on display, but if I end up with too many, I might have to pack some into storage boxes. (laughs) Still, they’re full of memories, so I’d feel a little sad putting them away.

— Is there anything to enjoy at the Expo besides the exhibits?

Oh, definitely! Just walking around and looking at the buildings is so much fun. There’s such a variety of architectural styles—it makes you want to take photos everywhere. I especially love the area under the “Ring.” It’s cool and super relaxing—such a great place to take a break!

— Do you have any plans to visit the Expo again?

Yes! I’m planning to go again in October. There are still some pavilions I haven’t visited yet, so I’d like to give them a try!

— Lastly, do you have any advice or tips for people planning to visit the Expo?

Advice:
It’s getting harder to secure reservation slots for entry now, so I recommend checking the official Expo website and social media for the latest updates.
Sometimes, online ticketing systems keep you waiting on a loading or queue screen for quite a while, so a few days before your visit, be sure to screenshot or print out your entry QR code along with any confirmed pavilion reservations.

Tips for Enjoying the Expo:
You can still have a great time even without going into any pavilions! The buildings themselves and the overall atmosphere are so much fun—you’ll feel excited just walking around. It’s a different kind of experience from a theme park like Disney or USJ, but just as enjoyable. Since this venue is only around for a limited time, make sure to take lots of photos and videos to create lasting memories!

At the end of the interview, Tamagawa-san shared a special souvenir she’d been treasuring—dried squid in Myaku-Myaku colors! With a warm smile, she said, “Please enjoy it,” and that small gesture of kindness truly warmed our hearts.rmed our hearts.

This interview not only highlighted the charm of the Expo but also offered a genuine glimpse into Tamagawa-san’s warm and thoughtful personality.

Interview Date: September 2025
Special Thanks to:
Mayumi Tamagawa, Accounting Department
Okudaya Giken Co., Ltd.