A beaming goggle-eyed Expo 2025 Osaka mascot is looking for a name.
The next World Expo, based on the theme of creating future societies, will be held in April 2025 on a man-made island in Osaka Bay, Japan.
More than 150 countries and international organisations are expected to participate three years after Expo 2020 Dubai.
The world's fair in Dubai registered a record 24 million visits, making it one of the most successful global events hosted during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition has called on residents and citizens to participate in a contest to name the five-eyed blue and red mascot.
“The new character will be used as a symbol of Expo 2025 to be widely used to publicise and build momentum for the Expo and will be developed into a character loved and familiar to people around the world,” the organisers said in a statement.
The mascot design draws inspiration from Japan’s colourful Expo logo showing interlinked red cells to symbolise life and creation.
The winning mascot name will be announced in July.
Only Japanese citizens or foreigners who have a certificate of residence can register for the competition.
Hiroyuki Ishige, secretary general of the Japan Association for Expo 2025 Osaka, earlier told The National of the lessons learnt from the world's fair in Dubai and about the plan to create a laboratory to test new technology.
“It will bring together the world’s knowledge and cutting-edge technology to create new ideas and share them with the world to help resolve the global issues we face,” he said in an interview.
“We would like to show a vision of future society through the implementation of future mobility, virtual reality, advanced systems for sustainable site management.”
Eight signature pavilions have also been announced that would be produced in collaboration with well-known Japanese filmmakers, anime creators, writers, musicians and scientists.
The experts in the fields of art, maths and science have been asked to envision structures that would connect people living in the future.
The theme of Expo 2025, which will run from April 15 until October 13 in three years' time, is ‘Designing a future society for our lives’.
Ten Expo attractions that will stay as part of District 2020
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Al Wasl Plaza has been Expo’s main staging area and the venue of unforgettable concerts featuring bands such as Coldplay. Pawan Singh / The National -
The Sustainability Pavilion will live on as a children's and science centre. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Alif - The Mobility Pavilion will host temporary exhibitions to attract tourists and residents. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
The UAE pavilion will be used as a visitor attraction and a cultural meeting place. Victor Besa / The National -
The Saudi Arabia pavilion will continue to showcase green energy innovations in Dubai and the rest of the region. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The Expo water feature will continue to be a big attraction even after Expo ends. Victor Besa / The National -
The Garden in the Sky is a rotating observation tower that soars 55 metres above the ground for a bird’s eye view of the site. Pawan Singh / The National -
Dubai Exhibition Centre will be used by companies across the logistics, tourism, education and technology spectrum. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Firdaus Studio by AR Rahman will be a special element of the Expo’s legacy as it aspires to attract musical and artistic talent. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Cycling tracks at Expo. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
