On March 26, 2025, Shiga Prefecture's information dissemination base, "Coco Shiga," announced an exciting upcoming event as part of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, which is themed "Designing Future Society for Our Lives" and is set to open on April 13, 2025. This announcement comes just a week before the official launch of the Expo.
As part of the promotional activities, a special greeting event featuring the Expo's official character, Myakumyaku, will take place at "Coco Shiga" on April 5, 2025. This event will also showcase Hikonyan, the beloved character from Hikone City, celebrating its 19th birthday on the same day, and Shogun Warunyan, Hikonyan's official rival. The three characters will be present at the event, which is the first of its kind in the Tokyo metropolitan area, with appearances scheduled for 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:30 PM, each lasting 20 minutes.
Shiga Prefecture has been actively promoting the Osaka-Kansai Expo since March 13, 2025, by decorating the glass facade facing Eitai Street at "Coco Shiga" with illustrations of Myakumyaku, Hikonyan, and Shogun Warunyan. Additionally, the first-floor market at "Coco Shiga" is hosting the "Osaka-Kansai Expo Fair," aimed at raising awareness and interest in the upcoming Expo.
In collaboration with the 2025 Japan International Exposition Association and the Osaka-Kansai Expo Master License Office, Shiga Prefecture has also started selling collaboration products featuring Myakumyaku, Hikonyan, and Shogun Warunyan since April 13, 2024. This initiative marks the first local government collaboration product featuring Myakumyaku, further enhancing the connection between the characters and the Expo.
The Osaka-Kansai Expo will run for 184 days, from April 13 to October 13, 2025, at Yumeshima in Osaka. Shiga Prefecture's participation theme is "Mother Lake - Living Together with Lake Biwa," emphasizing the region's commitment to sustainability and the preservation of its natural resources. The booth for Shiga will be located within the Kansai Pavilion, showcasing the area's charm through innovative light and image art.
In addition to the booth, Shiga Prefecture will host a "Shiga Charm Experience Week" at the Kansai Pavilion's multipurpose area. This event will take place in two parts: the first from June 24 to June 29, 2025, under the theme "Healthy Shiga," and the second from August 27 to September 1, 2025, themed "MLGs." These weeks will feature workshops and experience booths that allow visitors to engage with Shiga's rich culture, history, and industries.
Furthermore, Shiga Prefecture Day is scheduled for July 24, 2025, at the EXPO Hall. This event will provide an opportunity for attendees to discover Shiga's attractions through performances by notable local figures and organizations, enhancing the overall Expo experience.
For those interested in learning more about Shiga's involvement in the Expo, a dedicated website, the "Shiga Expo Museum," has been launched. This platform provides comprehensive information about Shiga Prefecture's Expo-related activities, local festivals, and cultural events. The website can be accessed at https://expo2025-shiga.jp/.
"Coco Shiga," located in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, serves as a hub for promoting Shiga's culture and initiatives. Opened on October 29, 2017, it operates a market and sake bar daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with additional services available until 5:00 PM for general inquiries. The restaurant on the second floor operates during specified hours on weekdays and weekends, making it a convenient stop for visitors.
As the Osaka-Kansai Expo approaches, Shiga Prefecture's efforts to engage with the public and promote its cultural heritage are intensifying. The upcoming greeting event at "Coco Shiga" is expected to draw attention and excitement, encouraging more visitors to explore the Expo and the region itself.