This is Hamamoto from TIMEWELL.
As the Osaka Expo enters its final stretch, the venue is evolving rapidly — new installations, updated entry systems, additional food options, and limited-time events are arriving week by week. This report covers the most significant changes, based on direct on-site observation.
New Installations: The Talking Myaku-Myaku Lottery
The most-discussed new addition: a "Talking Myaku-Myaku Lottery" display corner, installed in the Future Life Village from August 19. The installation reacts automatically when visitors approach — mimicking the kind of live response that made earlier Myaku-Myaku interactions memorable. Display times are 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:30 PM.
The installation draws significant crowds. Wait times of up to 90 minutes have been reported on the west gate side during peak hours. Heat management is a real concern — queue staff have been issuing cooling supplies, but visitors should plan accordingly.
A large Myaku-Myaku statue, originally positioned in front of Osaka City Hall, has also been relocated to the venue as a new photo spot and prize exchange point for lottery winners. The statue mirrors the lottery's signature pose.
REBORN Night Market
From July 20 through October 13, the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion hosts the REBORN Night Market each evening from 8:00 PM to approximately 9:20 PM, with Myaku-Myaku appearing as a guest. The event carries a message about personal reinvention and new beginnings. Visitors write wishes on cards and submit them to the event board, receiving original goods in return.
Registration opens each day from approximately 7:40 PM on a first-come, first-served basis. Note the scheduled pauses: approximately 8:20–8:30 PM and 8:50–9:00 PM. Arrive early for the best chance of participation.
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Ticket and Entry System Changes
Two significant changes took effect in mid-August:
From August 17: Day-ticket holders and pass holders now queue in entirely separate lines at all gates. At the East Gate, for example, pass holders queue on the right while day-ticket holders use a dedicated lane. Reports indicate day-ticket lines have moved significantly faster — by 30 minutes or more in some cases. Confirm your ticket type and use the correct queue.
From August 18: All-season passes and summer passes are no longer sold. Only date-specific tickets remain available. Plan your visit date in advance, as flexibility in ticket type no longer exists.
Additional reservation changes: the Electricity Pavilion now offers dedicated reservation slots for children aged 4–15, with adults (16+) also eligible. Children 3 and under do not require reservations. The Japan Pavilion allows walk-in entry at 9:25 AM and 7:00 PM daily for visitors without advance slots.
New Food Carts
Three new food options have been added along the venue's main routes:
- Bahrain cart: Pomegranate-flavored Bahraini juice, positioned in front of the Bahrain pavilion. A popular refreshment option on hot afternoons.
- Mozambique cart: "Galinha Piri Piri" — spicy grilled chicken with a distinctive heat and juiciness that drew strong reactions from first-time tasters.
- Peru cart: Additional food cart near the Peru pavilion, expanding the existing street food circuit.
null² Walk-Through Mode
The null² installation now offers a walk-through mode from 2:10 PM to 3:10 PM daily. No reservation is required. Visitors walk through the LED ceiling/floor/wall art space in approximately 45 seconds of continuous movement.
The content was renewed by producer Yoichi Ochiai and now features works inspired by Zhuangzi's "Butterfly Dream" and a Heart Sutra installation. The walk-through format makes the experience accessible to visitors who couldn't secure reservations for the standard seated viewing.
Note: null² T-shirts are now sold exclusively online — an in-venue retail plan was reversed close to launch.
Digital Participation and Limited Goods
The Sumitomo Pavilion has introduced a LINE QR code lottery system that allows walk-up visitors to enter draws for limited goods. Additional street-level merchandise points have opened near the PASONA pavilion, where an Astro Boy statue has been installed.
Summary
The key changes to know before your visit:
- Only date-specific tickets are available from August 18
- Separate queue lanes exist for pass holders and day-ticket holders — use the right one
- The Talking Myaku-Myaku lottery runs at 10 AM, 1 PM, and 4:30 PM; arrive early to manage wait times
- REBORN Night Market registration opens at 7:40 PM; queue before 7:30 if possible
- null² walk-through mode (2:10–3:10 PM) requires no reservation
- New food options: Bahrain pomegranate juice, Mozambique Galinha Piri Piri, Peru cart
The Expo continues to change until closing day. Checking for updates before each visit remains one of the most useful strategies.
Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjTo54KxVrg
