If you’ve ever stumbled across a bright red, amorphous creature with a blue face and wondered, “What is that thing?”, you’re not alone. Meet Myaku-Myaku, the official mascot of Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai — and one of Japan’s most unexpectedly beloved characters of the moment.
Originally unveiled in 2022 to a flurry of confused and even horrified reactions, Myaku-Myaku is now enjoying a surprising revival in 2025. But how did this bizarre, blood vessel-inspired mascot go from meme material to mascot icon?
What Is Myaku-Myaku?
Myaku-Myaku was created as the official character for Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, a world exposition scheduled from April to October 2025. The name is derived from “myaku-myaku,” a Japanese onomatopoeia that means “to flow” or “to pulse continuously” — symbolizing life, water, and interconnectedness.
With a squishy red body, a floating blue face, and jellyfish-like arms, Myaku-Myaku looks like a creature from a dream (or maybe a fever dream). That uniqueness is precisely what made it go viral in the first place.
From Creepy to Cute: The Social Media Glow-Up
When Myaku-Myaku was first introduced, many people called it creepy or strange. But as time went on, something shifted. People started calling it… cute.
One major reason for the turnaround is the rise of “nui-dori,” a Japanese trend where fans take plush toys on real-life adventures and share photos online. Myaku-Myaku plushies are now popping up in photos taken on trains, at cafés, and in famous sightseeing spots.
Meanwhile, videos on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) show the mascot dancing awkwardly or just standing silently — and people love it. The strange contrast between its design and its gentle, goofy personality is surprisingly endearing.
Merch, Collaborations, and a Cultural Comeback
Retailers and event organizers are fueling the hype. You can now find Myaku-Myaku on everything from stationery and socks to lunchboxes and train advertisements. There are even pop-up exhibitions and public installations featuring the mascot.
As Expo 2025 approaches, Myaku-Myaku is becoming more than just a symbol — it’s a phenomenon.
Why It Matters
Myaku-Myaku’s rise reflects Japan’s cultural openness to embracing the weird and wonderful. In a digital age where shareable, unusual content goes viral fast, this mascot fits perfectly into the ecosystem.
It also shows how a once-mocked character can evolve into a beloved icon — through community creativity, humor, and a touch of national pride.
Final Thoughts
Myaku-Myaku proves that you don’t need to be conventionally cute to win hearts — you just need to be interesting. As Expo 2025 draws closer, keep an eye out. This pulsing, jelly-like creature might just grow on you too.
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