Akira Senju, a prominent musician and sound producer, announced the unveiling of his new composition for the 2025 Osaka/Kansai Expo at the PASONA NATUREVERSE pavilion during a press conference held in Tokyo on March 19, 2025. The pavilion, presented by the Pasona Group, features innovative exhibits focusing on nature and sustainability designed to captivate visitors at the Japan International Exposition.
At the heart of the pavilion's attractions is a newly created character known as Neo Atom, brought to life through the artistry of Black Jack, which will serve as the pavilion's navigator. As part of the experience, visitors will have the opportunity to view a short film titled 'The Birth of Neo Atom,' produced by Tezuka Productions, with music composed by Senju and narrated by renowned singer Ayaka Hirahara.
The theme song for the pavilion, titled 'Inochi, Arigatou/8 Billion Mirai e,' showcases Senju's musical talents with Hirahara lending her voice. In creating this theme, Senju drew inspiration from his nostalgic childhood experiences as an 'Atom generation' member, recalling black-and-white broadcasts that shaped his early artistic impressions.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Senju shared, “There were black-and-white broadcasts in 1963 that my siblings and I grew up watching. My older brother used to draw Astro Boy on the walls, leaving me with a strong impression. I grew up with Astro Boy.” This personal connection to the iconic character has influenced his work on the pavilion’s theme music and its message.
Senju also discussed the thematic elements in the pavilion's song, indicating that certain melodies are borrowed directly from the classic phrases 'Transcending Imagination' and '100,000 Horsepower' to represent Neo Atom's rebirth. “I aim to fully inherit the musical heritage established by the late Isao Tomita, who collaborated closely with Osamu Tezuka,” Senju remarked, further detailing his commitment to honoring the methods established by his predecessors in animation soundtracks.
He elaborated on his past experiences working with Tomita, revealing, “I once assisted him and have learned the techniques he used. This time, we will faithfully replicate the same methods used in historical collaboration.” This demonstrates Senju's understanding of the depth and importance of musical integration in animation, a legacy that continues to inspire him.
Furthermore, Senju plotted a personal journey that spans over 60 years. He reminisced about visiting Tezuka's animation studio while working on the film 'Phoenix 2772' in 1980, when his sister was 17 years old. “Seeing the characters created by Tezuka was remarkable. I have finally arrived at this moment with a sense of fulfillment after all these years,” he expressed, showcasing his emotional attachment to the project.
The press event also featured essential attendees, including Ayaka Hirahara, Yasuyuki Nambu (Pasona Group Representative Director), Takayuki Matsutani (President of Tezuka Productions), and Hiromi Hidaka (General Producer at Tezuka Productions), outlining the collaborative efforts behind the pavilion.
As the countdown to the Osaka/Kansai Expo continues, the anticipation surrounding the PASONA NATUREVERSE pavilion builds, underscoring its role as a beacon of creativity and innovation. The synergy of music, storytelling, and cutting-edge animation is set to make a considerable impact on visitors, representing a celebration of Japan's rich cultural heritage and forward-thinking vision based on the deep-rooted legacy of Tezuka's work.
