Question from Readers:
While I found Morizo to be cute, I think Myakumyaku is a bit unsettling. Is there really enthusiasm for the Expo?
The Appeal of the Expo and its Characters
Recently, the discussion around characters for the Osaka Expo has been gaining momentum. While some believe that Myakumyaku can become as beloved as Morizo and Kikuro, many find Myakumyaku
to be somewhat off-putting. To be honest, when I first saw Myakumyaku, I instinctively wanted to look away and thought, “What is this…?”
The Differences Between Morizo and Myakumyaku
Morino has a certain friendliness about him. The concept of him being a forest fairy naturally brings a sense of comfort. On the other hand, Myakumyaku seems to suffer from its unique design. I couldn’t help but laugh at the suggestion that it resembles a monster from the Ultra Series, but it’s true that it leaves an unforgettable impact once seen. Do people in Osaka have a fondness for such characters? I remember when I visited Osaka, locals passionately discussed characters while enjoying takoyaki at Dotonbori. As I listened to their enthusiasm, I found myself recognizing the charm of these characters. It seems that familiarity can indeed breed affection.
Design of the License Plate
I also want to touch on the design of the commemorative car license plate for the Expo. I completely agree with the opinion that it looks like blood is splattering everywhere. When I first saw that design, I thought, “What’s the intention behind this?” A cuter design would have been better. If characters from Sanrio became symbols of the Expo, they might feel more approachable. While it’s said that the real excitement begins once the Expo starts, I feel both excited and anxious about how it will actually unfold. I hope a character that surpasses Morizo and Kikuro in popularity emerges.
Share Your Experiences
If I get the chance to attend the Expo, I’m excited to see what kind of characters I can meet and what memories I can create. What do you all think? If you have any interesting episodes or opinions about the characters or the Expo, I’d love for you to share them in the comments. I would be thrilled if we could all share fun stories together.
