Arab News Japan

TOKYO: On the sixth day of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, local Japanese media reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering visiting the Expo on August 5, which is Ukraine’s national day.

If Zelenskyy does travel to Japan, he is expected to have a meeting with Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru. However, because August 6 marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Ishiba will be attending a memorial ceremony there, which could make a summit with Zelenskyy challenging.

On Saturday, reporters in Tokyo asked Prime Minister Ishiba about the possibility of President Zelenskyy visiting the Expo for a summit. Ishiba stated, “It is still under consideration, and I cannot provide further comments at this time.”

The Expo mascot has many fans

The official mascot of the Osaka Kansai Expo, Myakumyaku, has gained immense popularity. Each day, visitors queue up to take commemorative photos in front of a 4-meter-tall statue at the venue, and merchandise featuring the mascot is selling exceptionally well.

Though some have described the unique mascot as “creepy,” it has undeniably become an essential part of the Expo, serving as its official “face.”

Miyakumyaku combines “red cells” connected in a ring and a blue body representing “clean water.” Its special skill is that it can “change into various shapes,” and it is said to imitate a human form.

The “Miyakumyaku House” is a popular spot for fans to interact with Miyakumyaku and watch anime.

Visitors Exceed Half a Million　

On the sixth day of the Expo, the total number of visitors surpassed the 500,000 mark.

The Expo Association announced that approximately 91,000 people visited on Friday, bringing the total number of visitors since the opening day to about 513,000. In contrast, during the Aichi Expo held in Aichi Prefecture in 2005, the total number of visitors only exceeded 500,000 in the second week.

However, this total includes around 100,000 related parties, such as pavilion staff and guests invited from various countries.