Key Facts

• Japan Day took place on July 3 at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai
• The official theme was “LIFE WILL BLOOM”
• A performance fused manga visuals with contemporary dance
• Myaku-Myaku appeared in a story segment with emotional dialogue
• Norika Fujiwara delivered a message referencing the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake

On July 3, Japan Day was held at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. The official stage program combined Japanese manga elements with contemporary dance to express the theme “LIFE WILL BLOOM. – Life will shine again and again.” The event featured appearances by government officials, artists, and characters, including an emotionally charged performance by Myaku-Myaku. The performance aimed to highlight the strength of life through music, visuals, and movement.

What Was Presented at Japan Day

Japan Day at Expo 2025 was organized as an official ceremony and cultural event by the Japanese government. Held on July 3, it was attended by Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino. The opening included a performance by the Imperial Household Agency Music Department, followed by a national anthem rendition by soprano Ayano Nonomura and a flag-raising ceremony. Prime Minister and honorary chairman Shigeru Ishiba then gave a greeting as the event’s host.

Crown Prince Akishino delivered a message that reflected on Japan’s cultural history and its ability to adapt and connect with the world. He referenced the global influence of Japanese content such as anime and manga, emphasizing their role in linking people across borders.

Stage Performance Featuring Manga and Dance

The program titled "The Brilliance of Life, and to the World" combined manga-style visuals with music and limited choreography. At its core was a story about a girl named Sakura and a large puppet described as the “embodiment of MANGA.” This narrative was performed by the Naoki Iimuro Mime Company under the direction of Naoki Iimuro.

The screen displayed manga-like elements including panel divisions, speech bubbles, and sound effects, which synchronized with the performers’ movements. A comic featuring the Expo mascot Myaku-Myaku was also projected, showing both humorous and serious scenes. In one emotional segment, Myaku-Myaku confronts a villain claiming “civilization has advanced through conflict,” and responds tearfully, saying, “What’s so wrong about wanting to understand and act?”

Messages and Artistic Direction

During the finale, actress and Japan Pavilion honorary director Norika Fujiwara appeared on stage and received origami from the performers. She delivered a message inspired by her experience in the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, emphasizing hope and connection: “Through each person’s thoughts and wishes, we can come together and shine brightly.”

The stage direction was led by Wally Kinoshita, who also directed performances at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Choreography was handled by Naoki Iimuro, and the music was composed by Shunsuke Wada, known for his work on the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba stage productions. The event concluded with a powerful message of resilience and unity, aligning with the Expo's overarching theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”

FAQ

Q: When was Japan Day held at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai?
A: Japan Day was held on July 3, 2025.

Q: What was the theme of the official ceremony at Japan Day?
A: The theme was “LIFE WILL BLOOM. – Life will shine again and again.”

Q: Who performed the manga-inspired stage presentation?
A: The performance was by the Naoki Iimuro Mime Company, directed by Naoki Iimuro.

Q: What emotional dialogue did Myaku-Myaku deliver during the show?
A: Myaku-Myaku said, “What’s so wrong about wanting to understand and act?”

Q: Who delivered a message reflecting on the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake?
A: Actress Norika Fujiwara delivered the message.

Source : ORICON NEWS