On December 27, 2025, the global community is reflecting on the monumental success of the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, which officially concluded its historic 184-day run earlier this year. Held from April 13 to October 13, 2025, the event surpassed all expectations by drawing more than 29 million total visitors to the futuristic Yumeshima Island. Throughout this rare event, the “Expo 2025 Osaka” mascot, the quirky and colorful “Myaku-Myaku,” remained the heart of the celebration, appearing in a final, stunning drone display and flag parade that left visitors with lasting memories.
“Myaku-Myaku” Mascot Shines at Yumeshima Venue
The choice of Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka Bay, provided a spectacular “waterfront” stage for the Expo’s theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” Spanning 155 hectares, the venue featured the world’s largest wooden architectural structure, the Grand Ring, which served as the primary walkway for millions of guests. Consequently, the “Expo 2025 Osaka” mascot “Myaku-Myaku” became a symbol of this man-made marvel, leading the closing day’s festivities and symbolizing the unity of the 160 participating nations and organizations.
Transitioning from the ground to the sky, the final day highlights included a synchronized drone show that recreated the image of “Myaku-Myaku” over the bay. This visual masterpiece was a fitting tribute to the record-breaking 207,889 people who attended the closing day alone. The island of Yumeshima, once a quiet industrial site, was transformed into a vibrant “People’s Living Lab,” showcasing everything from flying cars to carbon-neutral energy grids, ensuring its legacy as a hub for innovation.
Let's look back on @expo2025_japan, the World Expo that drew 25 million to Osaka! Its quirky mascot MYAKU-MYAKU was spotted on the final day at the flag parade and in a drone display 🎆, leaving lasting memories of this rare event.https://t.co/xHOc7Hshpw#YearInReview #EXPO2025 pic.twitter.com/qR35eQLqSJ
— japan (@japan) December 27, 2025
Reflecting on a 29 Million Visitor Milestone
Reaching a total attendance of 29,017,924 was a major triumph for the organizers, especially as it marked the first post-pandemic World Expo. While daily visitor numbers started gradually, social media buzz surrounding the “Expo 2025 Osaka” mascot helped drive massive crowds toward the end of the term. According to The Bureau International des Expositions, the high turnout confirms that physical global gatherings are more relevant than ever for addressing shared challenges like climate change and health.
Furthermore, the infrastructure developments on Yumeshima, including the new subway extensions and maritime transport routes, will continue to serve Osaka for decades. The “One Sky” concept, which linked the diverse pavilions through the island’s unique geography, successfully promoted the idea of “Unity in Diversity.” As the dismantling of the pavilions begins, the spirit of “Myaku-Myaku” and the 184 days of discovery in Osaka will undoubtedly inspire the organizers of the next World Expo in Riyadh 2030.