Latest news with #Barabi-chan
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
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Many Osaka Expo mascot toys donated to Baltic Pavilion after theft
OSAKA -- The Baltic Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai has become a new photo hot spot, with visitors giving the site official expo mascot plush toys and other items after the theft of one from the pavilion in mid-May. About 90 Myaku-Myaku figures are now lined up at a counter at the pavilion, where Latvia and Lithuania are jointly exhibiting. Since the expo's opening, one Myaku-Myaku plush toy had been displayed at the pavilion's counter alongside the pavilion's mushroom-themed mascot, "Barabi-chan," but it suddenly disappeared on May 13. Security cameras revealed that one of two individuals, believed to be women, placed the toy into a bag. Pavilion guide Ieva Miciuliene, 31, recalled, saying, "I thought Japan was a safe place, so I was shocked." After talks on the issue, Lithuanian Ambassador to Japan Aurelijus Zykas announced the incident on X (formerly Twitter) on May 16, making national news and sparking widespread interest. Unexpectedly, from May 17 onward, Myaku-Myaku plush toys began arriving at the pavilion, reaching a total of 87 as of May 23. "Children handed us origami Myaku-Myaku, and one person traveled all the way from Okayama just to deliver a Myaku-Myaku plush toy. I was touched by the kindness of the Japanese people," Miciuliene said with a smile. Now, a large number of Myaku-Myaku plush toys, including ones dressed in the pavilion guide uniform and a handmade crocheted version, surround the Barabi-chan figure, delighting visitors. The situation surrounding the pavilion has changed significantly since the incident, and Miciuliene is amazed at how it has become a "special pavilion." She added, "It has now become a new photo spot. I am filled with gratitude for the heartfelt support from the Japanese people."
Japan Today
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Baltic Pavilion calls for return of stolen Osaka expo mascot figure
Photo taken Friday shows the reception of the Baltic Pavilion at the World Exposition in Osaka, where the stolen figure of the expo mascot "Myaku-Myaku" had been displayed with the pavilion's character "Barabi-chan." The Baltic Pavilion at the World Exposition in Osaka says its display of the expo's official mascot, Myaku-Myaku, was stolen from the reception area, prompting officials to call for the return of the character figure that has gone viral among visitors. "Very sadly, hardworking Myaku-Myaku at the Baltic Pavilion suddenly disappeared. Any idea where Myaku-Myaku is now?" Lithuanian Ambassador to Japan Aurelijus Zykas said on social media as his country is showcasing exhibits in the pavilion with Latvia. The post on X also included security camera footage showing two people snatching the red and blue mascot figure. According to the pavilion, a staff member noticed the figure was missing from the reception area around noon last Tuesday. "It is regrettable that such a theft occurred at the expo site. We want it to be returned," a pavilion official said. Myaku-Myaku -- a mysterious creature said to be born from the fusion of cells and water -- was initially seen by some as creepy, with five eyeballs scattered around a bobbly, doughnut-shaped red ring, another eye on its tail and a dripping blue body. But it has gained popularity among visitors since the expo opened on April 13, with long lines forming as people try to take photos with a Myaku-Myaku statue at the venue and merchandise selling well. © KYODO
10-05-2025
Baltic Pavilion (Latvia and Lithuania)
Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai Guide to Japan Global Exchange Travel May 11, 2025 A look at the Baltic pavilion at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka. Latvia and Lithuania are cooperating in this pavilion to introduce the diverse natural beauty of the Baltic region and its shared cultural heritage. The Wall of the Future, one of the interactive displays within its spatial arts inside, briefly displays visitor messages written on its touchscreen. The porcini-inspired mascot, Barabi-chan, helps show off the beauty of the region's rich forests. The Baltic pavilion is located in the Saving Lives zone. ( See the official map for details.) Latvia marks its national day on Tuesday, May 20, and Lithuania marks its national day on Sunday, July 6, at the Expo National Day Hall. (Originally published in Japanese. Reporting and text by Uchiyama Ken'ichi and . Photographic assistance by Kuroiwa Masakazu of 96-Box. Banner photo © .) Osaka Kansai Expo
