At the 2025 Expo, many people thought of 20th Century Boys! Is the Tower of the Sun scary?
EXPO2025 / Manga / Movie / osaka / Theme_Park
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People are getting more excited about “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai (2025 Japan World Exposition).” This event is also known as “Osaka Expo“. Many people have heard of “20th Century Boys”, a manga and film, because of this event.
Some have noticed that the theme and visuals of “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai” are similar to “Friend Land,” which appears in the original “20th Century Boys“.
This time, we will talk about why “20th Century Boys” comes to mind at “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai (2025 Japan World Exposition)” and discuss the “Tower of the Sun“, which is a symbol of both the manga and film “20th Century Boys“.
- At the 2025 Expo, many people thought of "20th Century Boys"! Why is that?
- Reason 1: The original work is modeled after the 1970 Expo
- Reason 2: Some say the idea of the 2025 Expo is similar to that of the original work
- Voices Saying the 2025 Expo Feels Scary Due to Its Connection with 20th Century Boys
- Is the Tower of the Sun Actually Scary?
- A Reservation Is Required to Visit the Tower of the Sun, Which Evokes the World of 20th Century Boys
- Let's dive into the 2025 Expo's worldview inspired by the original work!
At the 2025 Expo, many people thought of “20th Century Boys”! Why is that?
(Source: Movie | 20th Century Boys)
The “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai (2025 Japan World Exposition)” has opened, and more and more people are talking about the manga and film “20th Century Boys“.
Many people are reminded of “20th Century Boys” during the 2025 Expo for two main reasons.
Reason 1: The original work is modeled after the 1970 Expo
As excitement for “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai” grows, more and more people on social media are saying that it reminds them of “20th Century Boys”. The original manga “20th Century Boys” is based on the 1970 Osaka Expo.
そういえば、万博は20世紀少年でも特別な場所と設定されてましたよね。今の世の中的にも、個人的には近寄らない方が吉かなと思う。色々邪悪すぎる。 https://t.co/DQJ8VoGP4z pic.twitter.com/tVvKXSLl3Q
— Minu (@SbHj2pE8r7QCEQx) March 12, 2025
In Naoki Urasawa’s popular manga, the expo grounds play a key role in the story. The futuristic atmosphere and social background of that era are central to the narrative.
Many fans have also said that the places and production of “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai” remind them of “Friend Land,” a place that appears in the work, drawing even more attention.
昭和レトロをテーマにしてリニューアルした西武園ゆうえんちに行って「ともだちランドじゃん」って思ったけど、大阪万博はガワじゃなく理念の面でともだちランドと化してきてる感ある pic.twitter.com/g2JGcZvr57
— ヒラノ遊 (@VolumeToneTone) October 18, 2023
Reason 2: Some say the idea of the 2025 Expo is similar to that of the original work
Many people on social media have also commented that “20th Century Boys” shares some similarities with EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
In the original story, there are many depictions of bringing back the Osaka Expo, which was held in 1970, in the 21st century. This emphasizes how important the expo was.
EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai also presents itself as a “laboratory for the future of society“, showing off its advanced technology. Many people feel that the themes and visuals are similar.
Some people are also surprised by the connection between the real-life expo and the fictional one.
4/15 オープン3日目万博
20世紀少年のケンヂの気持ちになれました！！最高おおおおお！！！#岩出のチャイと万博#万博 pic.twitter.com/PigmI3yBg0— 岩出のチャイ (@L26x5nBm7g46047) April 20, 2025
If you plan to visit EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, you might enjoy it even more if you read the manga “20th Century Boys” or watch the films beforehand.
Voices Saying the 2025 Expo Feels Scary Due to Its Connection with 20th Century Boys
Some people have said that “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai (2025 Japan World Exposition)” reminds them of 20th Century Boys and feels scary.
大阪万博って聞くと、真っ先に太陽の塔が描かれている“20世紀少年”を思い出しちゃうんだよね。未知のウイルスを撒いてワクチンで人類を救うという、血の大みそかの自作自演で救世主となった“ともだち”。理科室でヤマネ君に殺されたのに、法王の前で“ともだち”は生き返って世界大統領になるって漫画。
— にこ姉 (@nikone_niko25) September 8, 2023
In Naoki Urasawa’s manga “20th Century Boys“, the 1970 Osaka Expo is a special place, and it is shown to have strange and scary elements such as “control” and “brainwashing”.
Since “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai” is also planned to feature performances and technologies as a “laboratory for future society,” some people who notice the similarities feel uneasy.
On the other hand, if you watch the “20th Century Boys” manga or film before visiting the “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai” venue, you might be able to enjoy a thrilling experience that horror and urban legend fans will love.
If you’re going to the 2025 Expo, you should also visit the “Expo ’70 Commemorative Park” in Suita City, Osaka. There, you can see the “Tower of the Sun“. This is a symbol of both the manga and the film “20th Century Boys”.
Is the Tower of the Sun Actually Scary?
Many people find the “Tower of the Sun” from the manga and movie “20th Century Boys” to be “scary”.
One reason people feel this way is the “four faces,” including the Sun of the Underworld, and the unique worldview created by the Tree of Life inside the tower. The way these elements come together makes the tower have a unique and a little scary feeling.
People are also talking about Yoshimoto Kogyo’s 2025 Expo pavilion because it looks like the “Friend Tower” from “20th Century Boys.” Some people say it looks like the Tower of the Sun, and they say it “feels insane” or “a little scary.”
吉本興業の万博パビリオン、20世紀少年のともだちの塔に似た狂気を感じる。 pic.twitter.com/Fqb9GhGhZ1
— BeatPoteto (@BeatPoteto) February 13, 2025
If you don’t like horror, you might want to avoid it.
Some Say It’s Worth Visiting at Least Once
The “Tower of the Sun” is an artwork by Taro Okamoto that was created to represent the 1970 Osaka Expo. It has been a prominent feature ever since.
Today, the inside of the tower is open to the public. Its exhibitions about the evolution of life and its unique spatial design are highly acclaimed.
Many people on social media say it’s “worth visiting at least once“. They’re surprised by the advanced technology for a work created over 50 years ago.
子どものとき「オトナ帝国の逆襲」や「20世紀少年」を観て、「なんで万博が神聖化されてるの？」と思ったけど、実際に見たらわかった
現在まで続く地球の歴史だけでなく未来も見せてくれる素晴らしい作品だった
これが55年前に作られてたなんて https://t.co/CkX8XVRlQD
— 妄想発明家ZAWAWORKS (@zawa_works) January 19, 2025
With “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai (2025 Japan World Exposition)” coming soon, the Tower of the Sun is being considered as a symbol that connects the past, present, and future. If you haven’t visited yet, now is a great opportunity to go and see it for yourself.
A Reservation Is Required to Visit the Tower of the Sun, Which Evokes the World of 20th Century Boys
To visit the inside of the “Tower of the Sun“, which is similar to the manga and movie “20th Century Boys“, you must make a reservation in advance.
The Tower of the Sun has been getting more and more visitors, especially fans of “20th Century Boys” who are visiting the 2025 Expo or those who want to visit with “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai.” Because of this, it is recommended that you make your reservation as soon as possible.
You can make a reservation through the official Tower of the Sun website.
Tours are 30 minutes long, and the admission fees are as follows.
＜ Tower of the Sun Price List ＞
| Admission Fee | Entrance fee + Shizenbunkakuen and Japanese Garden common entrance fee | |
| Adult | 720yen | 930yen |
| Elementary school and Middle school aged children | 310yen | 380yen |
If you’re interested, it’s a good idea to check if there are any reservations available before you go.
![Osaka Expo Playgrounds and Pavilions for Kids [9 Selections]: How Much is the Child Ticket? Can 3-Year-Olds Enjoy It?](https://minnano-rakuraku.com/contents/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/電力館_2025大阪関西万博パビリオン-300x300.png)
Let’s dive into the 2025 Expo’s worldview inspired by the original work!
The “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai (2025 Japan World Exposition)” was held for 184 days from April 13 to October 13, 2025, in the Yumeshima District of Osaka. It features elements that remind visitors of the manga and film “20th Century Boys”, which was inspired by the 1970 Osaka Expo.
The expo is similar to “Friend Land” from the original work, and fans of “20th Century Boys” are interested in it. Don’t miss the 2025 Expo — come enjoy its unique atmosphere!
