On December 20th, 2023, actress Kiyoshiro Imawaki and child actress Daiyo Nagase made waves at the content presentation event for the Osaka-Kansai Expo's Healthcare Pavilion. Held in Osaka City, the event not only showcased innovative health-related technologies but also highlighted the youthful enthusiasm and maturity represented by its young star, Nagase, drawing attention from local officials and media.
Accompanied by notable figures such as Osaka Governor Yoshimura Hirofumi and Osaka Mayor Yokoyama Hideyuki, the event introduced various exhibits set to be featured at the upcoming 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. The focus was on the impressive 'K身体测定ポッド' (Body Measurement Pods), which allows users to easily measure various health metrics, including hair, skin, and cardiovascular health data.
During the presentation, Nagase, only 8 years old, shared her excitement after experiencing the measuring pods. "It felt like I traveled to the future, and I was constantly excited and nervous!" she expressed, highlighting the magical transformation the expo aims to offer, not just for individuals, but for entire communities approaching health awareness differently.
The real highlight came when Nagase confronted her avatar from 25 years later, based on her measured health data. Viewing herself as a 33-year-old, she was overcome with joy and curiosity about her future self, stating, "This is incredible! I feel like I just came from the future!" The meeting not only underscored the importance of envisioning one’s health but also provided perspective on how technology can shape personal awareness.
Governor Yoshimura also engaged her, asking, "What advice would you give to yourself 25 years from now?" Showing maturity beyond her years, Nagase confidently replied, "Please cherish every day so you won’t have regrets 25 years from now." This honest reflection took many by surprise, including Mayor Yokoyama, who exclaimed, "You're really grown up! We're embarrassed by your wise comment! Amazing! Just amazing!"
Kiyoshiro Imawaki, admired for her own insights, remarked, "When I was young, I thought it would be nice if the future was like this, and I might be able to experience it." Her comments evoked nostalgia, tying the dreams of childhood with the thrilling prospect of future technologies and exhibitions such as the Healthcare Pavilion.
The Osaka-Kansai Expo is set to be more than just a display of technology—it aims to inspire future generations about health and well-being by fostering conversations around personal health management. The presence and insights of young talents like Nagase indicate a shift not only toward innovative healthcare solutions but also highlight the role of youth engagement in shaping future narratives.
Both acknowledged the significance of such events leading up to the expo, recognizing how they could impact community health discourse and expectations. The amalgamation of youthful energy and political backing at the presentation promises to set exciting precedents for the types of discussions the expo intends to host—discussions imbued with hope, maturity, and visionary futuristic concepts.
With merely over one year remaining to showcase these developments, the anticipation continues to build. The Osaka Healthcare Pavilion aims not just to be informative but also transformative, aiming to include all citizens—especially children—into the fold of health accountability and future aspirations. This preparatory event has laid vibrant groundwork for much more to come, as locals and visitors alike gear up for what is sure to be an extraordinary expo.
