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Japan Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Latvian staffer at Osaka expo goes viral with love of Japan
A Latvian staff member at the World Exposition in Osaka has drawn over half a million social media followers after posting about his experience of engaging with Japanese language and culture as a foreigner. Artur Galata, 31, who has been posting on X and Instagram, said he was "very happy to work in my favorite country" after having visited 11 times since April 2017, traveling to more than 40 of the 47 prefectures. Galata has been fascinated by Japanese anime since watching it aired in the Latvian language when he was an elementary school student. He then deepened his knowledge of Japanese culture and customs by reading books related to the country given him by his family. "The most attractive part is the kindness of Japanese people," Galata said, adding he has been particularly impressed by the well-maintained roads, packaging for onigiri rice balls sold at convenience stores, and how he was served at restaurants. His popular social media posts include humorous descriptions of how certain Japanese words using the same kanji characters are read differently and expressing his amusement about soy beans transforming into different kinds of food such as miso, soy sauce and tofu. In the expo, Galata has been working at the Baltic Pavilion jointly presented by Latvia and Lithuania, using four languages to welcome guests. He enjoys communicating with his followers and going to karaoke with other expo staff. During his planned eight-month stay, which began in April, Galata plans to visit the remaining prefectures he has yet to travel to, he said. © KYODO
The Mainichi
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Latvian staffer at Osaka expo goes viral with love of Japan
OSAKA (Kyodo) -- A Latvian staff member at the World Exposition in Osaka has drawn over half a million social media followers after posting about his experience of engaging with Japanese language and culture as a foreigner. Artur Galata, 31, who has been posting on X and Instagram, said he was "very happy to work in my favorite country" after having visited 11 times since April 2017, traveling to more than 40 of the 47 prefectures. Galata has been fascinated by Japanese anime since watching it aired in the Latvian language when he was an elementary school student. He then deepened his knowledge of Japanese culture and customs by reading books related to the country given him by his family. "The most attractive part is the kindness of Japanese people," Galata said, adding he has been particularly impressed by the well-maintained roads, packaging for onigiri rice balls sold at convenience stores, and how he was served at restaurants. His popular social media posts include humorous descriptions of how certain Japanese words using the same kanji characters are read differently and expressing his amusement about soy beans transforming into different kinds of food such as miso, soy sauce and tofu. In the expo, Galata has been working at the Baltic Pavilion jointly presented by Latvia and Lithuania, using four languages to welcome guests. He enjoys communicating with his followers and going to karaoke with other expo staff. During his planned eight-month stay, which began in April, Galata plans to visit the remaining prefectures he has yet to travel to, he said.
Kyodo News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
Latvian staffer at Osaka expo goes viral with love of Japan
OSAKA - A Latvian staff member at the World Exposition in Osaka has drawn over half a million social media followers after posting about his experience of engaging with Japanese language and culture as a foreigner. Artur Galata, 31, who has been posting on X and Instagram, said he was "very happy to work in my favorite country" after having visited 11 times since April 2017, traveling to more than 40 of the 47 prefectures. Galata has been fascinated by Japanese anime since watching it aired in the Latvian language when he was an elementary school student. He then deepened his knowledge of Japanese culture and customs by reading books related to the country given him by his family. "The most attractive part is the kindness of Japanese people," Galata said, adding he has been particularly impressed by the well-maintained roads, packaging for onigiri rice balls sold at convenience stores, and how he was served at restaurants. His popular social media posts include humorous descriptions of how certain Japanese words using the same kanji characters are read differently and expressing his amusement about soy beans transforming into different kinds of food such as miso, soy sauce and tofu. In the expo, Galata has been working at the Baltic Pavilion jointly presented by Latvia and Lithuania, using four languages to welcome guests. He enjoys communicating with his followers and going to karaoke with other expo staff. During his planned eight-month stay, which began in April, Galata plans to visit the remaining prefectures he has yet to travel to, he said.
Japan Forward
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Forward
Baltic Pavilion to Donate 140 Expo Mascot Plushies After Theft
このページを 日本語 で読む In mid-May, a MYAKU-MYAKU mascot was stolen from the Baltic Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. MYAKU-MYAKU, the official character of the Expo, had been displayed alongside Barabi-chan, the pavilion's own mascot. The Baltic Pavilion is jointly presented by Lithuania and Latvia. After the theft was reported, visitors began bringing MYAKU-MYAKU plushies in support. Around 140 items were collected and displayed at the pavilion until May 30. Now, the pavilion is passing on that goodwill by donating the items to various institutions, including children's facilities. A pavilion representative said, "In the Baltic countries, there's a saying that even if life takes something away, it gives back something even more wonderful." They added that although Barabi-chan lost the original MYAKU-MYAKU, "she has made new friends and is feeling happy again." Screenshot of the Baltics Pavilion's Instagram post featuring Barabi-chan. "Now it's our turn to bring joy," the message continued, noting that the donated items will be "sent to people who need a smile." According to the Expo's website, MYAKU-MYAKU is a mysterious creature made of red cells that can divide and multiply, and blue water that flows and changes shape freely. Its name comes from myaku , meaning "pulse" in Japanese, with the repetition symbolizing the continuous flow of life, knowledge, and culture. Barabi-chan, on the other hand, is a talking mushroom named after the Latvian and Lithuanian word for porcini. He represents the spirit of the Baltic forests. MYAKU-MYAKU poses in front of the symbolic Grand Ring at the Osaka Expo. Author: Nobuo Kurokawa, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
The Mainichi
29-05-2025
- The Mainichi
The Mainichi News Quiz: What's with all the plushies at the Baltics' Expo pavilion?
How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz to test your news knowledge. Ready? Why did visitors start bringing plush toys to the Baltic Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai? A) To celebrate the pavilion's opening day B) To commemorate a national holiday in Latvia and Lithuania C) In response to the theft of an official mascot plush toy
