Japan’s 5-eyed ‘shining young man’ at Osaka Expo 2025 causes a stir

Photo of the mascot representing the Osaka Expo 2025 World Expo – Photo: MINISTRY OF ECONOMY AND INDUSTRY

A blue humanoid with 5 eyes was approved to become the mascot at the Osaka Expo 2025 World Expo (Japan) with the name Inochi no Kagayaki-kun, which roughly translates to “Shining young man”.

Officially approved in March, this unusual work by artist Yohei Yamashita has been selected as the mascot symbolizing the world exhibition event to be held in 2025. But this has caused a stir. mixed reactions in public opinion Japan.

According to the sheet Japan TodayMost of the Japanese people’s opinions on social networking platforms said: “The mascot has a strange and scary appearance”.

In fact, most Japanese people disagree with the temporary name Inochi no Kagayaki-kun (Shining Young Man) given by Osaka Expo, because it looks more like a character from a horror movie than a young man. shine.

On the side of the work’s owner, Mr. Yohei Yamashita explained the character’s shine that the imperfect red circle he created were connected cells resembling the shape of Osaka.

In addition, the eyes are stylized cherry blossoms for an international fair that also took place in Osaka in 1970. The character’s blue body represents the color of the sea surrounding Osaka.

It is these things that create the connection of Osaka and the brilliance of life, said Mr. Yamashita.

However, instead of calling it “shining young man”, many Japanese on Twitter have called it by various names such as “Creepy-kun” (horror boy), “Death-kun” (zombie boy).

According to Japan TodayInochi no Kagayaki-kun is not yet an official name for the fair, and the public can help them come up with a new name to name this work until May 16.

The prize for the chosen name will be about 2,000 USD (about 46 million VND).

It is expected that the World Expo Osaka Expo 2025 will help the Japanese Government restart the tourism industry and welcome the return of international visitors, according to the report. South China Morning Post.