What is Komyaku (ID)? It’s cute and trending on social media! Is a map also available?! 【EXPO 2025】
【この記事にはPRを含む場合があります】
The “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai Expo (2025 Japan International Exposition)” is being held in Yumeshima, Osaka City, until October 13, 2025. The mascot character “Myaku-Myaku” supports the popularity of the Osaka Expo, which is said to be gradually increasing in visitor numbers. Recently, “Myaku-Myaku Lottery” has become popular, and people living in Osaka often see or hear about Myaku-Myaku. Amidst this, “Komyaku” is now attracting attention on social media. Some people may wonder, “What’s the difference between Myaku-Myaku and Komyaku?” or “Where can I see Komyaku?”
This time, as a resident of Osaka, I will tell you what “Komyaku” is and about the “Komyaku Map” that is trending on social media.
What is “Komyaku” at the Osaka Expo?
(Source: EXPO WORLDs)
“Komyaku” is a “character” that can be seen everywhere within the EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai Expo venue. Originally, “Komyaku” was an “ID element” of the Osaka Expo’s design system, created as an entity representing “life”. The official name of “Komyaku” is “ID”, derived from the word “identity”.
＜ Osaka Expo Design System ＞
(Source: EXPO 2025)
Currently, “ID” is affectionately known as “Komyaku”, named after the Osaka Expo’s official character “Myaku-Myaku”. The creator of “Komyaku” is Kohta Hikichi, the creative director of the Osaka Expo.
これは重要なので、ちゃんとご説明しますね。これは元々は万博のロゴ（いのち輝きくんと呼ばれてたもの）の１つを切り出したものが愛称「こみゃく」ことID_Livesです。細胞がモチーフであるロゴを概念を引き継いでいるので、このこみゃくは生命の最小単位としての「すべての始まりの細胞」と位置付けて… https://t.co/hb2C3OpBRD pic.twitter.com/AP2NZqSXyD
— 引地耕太 | VISIONs CEO / COMMONs 代表 (@kouta_hikichi) February 4, 2025
In 2021, a proposal was submitted in response to a public call for ideas to unify the Expo’s image, and based on the Expo’s “official logo mark” and “theme ‘Designing a Future Society for Our Lives'”, the Osaka Expo design system mentioned earlier was created. It is often thought that “Komyaku” = “part of Myaku-Myaku,” but in fact, the creators are different!
ロゴマーク：シマダタモツ氏
ミャクミャク：山下浩平氏
こみゃく：引地耕太氏実は全部デザイナーが違うのですが、全てのルーツとなるロゴマークがスタンプ張とかレシートとかでしか見かけなくて一番控えめかも。ロゴクッションも顔はめミャクミャクだと思われているような(^^; #大阪・関西万博 pic.twitter.com/ZESczdUYdM
— けんたろう🇺🇦 (@ken_ta_rou) May 13, 2025
“Komyaku” has a different shape and can change freely, symbolizing diverse “individuals” and “connections”. Since it appears in various places throughout the Osaka Expo, looking for “Komyaku” at the venue is one way to enjoy the Expo.
Let’s look for “Komyaku,” which is trending on social media, at the Osaka Expo venue!
(Source: EXPO WORLDs)
“Komyaku” is highly praised as “cute” on social media platforms such as Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Recently, the way of enjoying the expo by “touring the expo venue while looking for Komyaku” has become popular. Komyaku, depicted as “eight million gods (yaoyorozu) of life at the Osaka Expo,” also appear on “guidance signs” and “play equipment”.
＜ Main places where Komyaku/ID monuments and designs can be seen ＞
- Water Plaza (EXPO2025 Monument)
- East Gate (Myaku-Myaku Monument “Welcome”)
- West Gate (Myaku-Myaku Monument “Excitement”)
- Banner Flags
- 2.5D Monuments
- 3D Monuments
- 3D Play Equipment Monuments
- Fence Covers
- Belt Partitions
Komyaku designs are truly diverse, and you can encounter them everywhere inside the Osaka Expo venue. They have playful designs that pique children’s curiosity, serving as “guideposts” within the venue and also playing a role in “navigating discoveries that lead to the future”.
For example, there are fun features such as “Komyaku-designed Amidakuji (ladder lottery),” “Ken-Ken-Pa (hopscotch),” and “pair finding”! Just walking around the venue looking for Komyaku is sure to be exciting. Please do embark on a “Komyaku hunt” journey at the venue of the “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai Expo (2025 Japan International Exposition)”!
“Komyaku Map” also appears!
(Source: @memo_banpaku)
Along with the popularity of “Komyaku”, the “Komyaku Map” for finding Komyaku became a topic on X (formerly Twitter). The “Komyaku Map” was created by a private individual named memo♡banpaku (@memo_banpaku). Although it is not an official Osaka Expo map, it serves as a guide map that can be used when walking around the venue.
Many Komyaku fans download it and bring it to the Osaka Expo, as it is stated “please feel free to use it”. A “fill-in-the-blank type Komyaku Map” that can be enjoyed like a stamp rally has also appeared.
(Source: @yodo_kt)
Both children and adults can enjoy looking for Komyaku together! If you are interested, it would be good to print it out and bring it with you.
Let’s walk around the Expo venue while looking for Komyaku!
In this way, “ID”, the design system of the Osaka Expo, is affectionately known as “Komyaku”. While enjoying the “Komyaku” that can be found everywhere in the Expo venue, please also enjoy the unique exhibits of the Expo, such as domestic and international pavilions!
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