Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Osaka World Expo merchandise continues to be sold in Japan due to sustained high demand, even after the Expo’s conclusion.
- Major retailers like Kintetsu and Daimaru Matsuzakaya have expanded their expo-related offerings, indicating a strong market interest.
- Transportation hubs and bookstores maintain expo-related stores and sections, reflecting broader commercial engagement.
- Kura Sushi is extending the expo’s culinary experience nationwide by offering dishes inspired by its expo restaurant.
- The official mascot, Myaku-Myaku, remains a popular feature in merchandise, with extended sales approved through March.
Summary
The 2025 Osaka World Exposition may have concluded on October 13th, but its impact continues to resonate within Japan’s retail sector. Several Japanese department stores and businesses are capitalizing on the sustained demand for expo-related merchandise, demonstrating the enduring popularity of the event that attracted over 25 million visitors.
Kintetsu Department Store Co.’s main store in Osaka has extended the operation of its official expo shop beyond its initially planned closing date. Recognizing the ongoing enthusiasm surrounding the expo, the store has enhanced its product range by incorporating items that were previously exclusively available at the expo venue itself. Moreover, the company is planning to introduce new merchandise, further solidifying its commitment to leveraging the expo’s popularity.
Takahiro Kajima, President of Kintetsu Department Store, emphasized the lasting impact of the expo during a press conference on October 10th. He expressed the company’s intention to continue promoting the festival, having already surpassed its sales targets in August. Kajima’s statement reflects the confidence in the continued appeal of the expo’s theme and merchandise.
Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Stores Co., another major retailer in Osaka, has significantly expanded its presence in the expo merchandise market. The company doubled its floor space dedicated to expo goods in November, signaling a substantial investment in catering to the ongoing consumer interest. This expansion underscores the belief that the expo’s influence will continue to drive sales.
Beyond department stores, transportation hubs are also maintaining a connection to the expo. West Japan Railway Co. has announced that it will continue operating its official expo stores at key locations, including Osaka and Shin-Osaka stations. These stores provide convenient access to expo merchandise for travelers, reinforcing the event’s presence in high-traffic areas. In addition, MaruzenJunkudo Bookstores Co. has created a dedicated section for expo merchandise at one of its stores in the city, further diversifying the retail landscape for expo-related products.
The culinary experience of the expo is also being extended beyond the Yumeshima island venue. Kura Sushi Inc., a major sushi restaurant chain operator, has introduced selected dishes from its internationally inspired cuisine, which it sold at its restaurant within the expo site, to its nationwide outlets. This initiative allows customers across Japan to sample the flavors of the expo, further broadening its reach.
The popularity of the expo’s official mascot, Myaku-Myaku, is a driving force behind the continued demand for merchandise. Recognizing this, the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition has approved the sale of official merchandise featuring Myaku-Myaku at shops and online until the end of March. This decision reflects the association’s acknowledgment of the mascot’s enduring appeal and its contribution to the expo’s success.
The Osaka World Expo, hosted on the artificial island of Yumeshima, featured participation from 158 countries and regions. The event showcased advanced technologies and diverse cultures from around the globe, drawing large crowds and fostering a sense of international collaboration. The sustained demand for expo merchandise highlights the lasting impression that the event has made on visitors and the broader public.