The World Dances! "Matsuken Samba" at the Osaka-Kansai Expo — On July 25, the Golden Rhythm Illuminates the Future —

1. The Golden Whirlwind Captivating the World

In its first year, the Osaka-Kansai Expo is already becoming a "global crossroads" where multinational music, dance, technology, and food cultures converge. The event chosen as its symbolic representation is Ken Matsudaira's "Matsuken Samba @ EXPO2025."

In response to Matsudaira's statement at the Seibu-en Yuenchi performance in April, expressing his desire to sing again on the Expo stage, Governor Yoshimura promptly responded on X (formerly Twitter) with "I'll make it happen," which garnered significant attention.Sports Nippon In just 10 weeks, budget and schedule adjustments were completed, leading to the official announcement on July 10, marking a swift resolution.nikkansports.com

1-1 The Strategy of the "Osaka Week ~Summer~" Eve

Jointly planned by Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City, "Osaka Week ~Summer~" consists of a 10-day continuous program including a Bon Odori Guinness challenge and a Kansai gourmet festival. Positioned as the "Day Zero," this Samba stage serves as a catalyst to broadcast a strong message of "fusion of Japanese and Latin" to the world.Osaka-Kansai Expo

2. What is "Matsuken Samba"?—The Miraculous Collaboration Connecting Edo and Rio

2-1 Background of the Song's Creation

"Matsuken Samba II" was released in 2004, but the original concept dates back to the mid-1990s. Inspired by overseas performances of the period drama "Abarenbo Shogun," in which Matsudaira starred, the idea of "samba in kimono" as a cross-cultural mix was explored. The lyrics and music were by Akira Miyagawa, and the choreography by the late Shigeki Majima. The bold arrangement, combining samba's 2-beat rhythm with Japanese festival snare drums and Edo-style clapping, made a significant impact on the J-POP scene at the time.

2-2 The Legend at the Aichi Expo

At the 2005 Aichi Expo, it appeared at the "EXPO 2005 Exchange Harvest Festival," making about 20,000 people dance amidst a shower of golden confetti.Aichi ExpoAichi Expo This experience gave birth to the cultural lineage of "Expo Samba," leading to its reenactment in Osaka 20 years later.

2-3 The Resurgence on Modern SNS

Recently on TikTok, the "#MatsukenSambaChallenge" has surpassed 240 million views. European university samba circles and hip-hop crews have posted cover videos, and it has become affectionately known as the "Gold Kimono Samba."

3. Ken Matsudaira—From Period Drama Star to World Ambassador

Ken Matsudaira (born 1953 in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture) is a rare entertainer who can embody both kabuki gestures and Latin hip movements simultaneously. Notably, he maintains sharp turns even in his 70s through physical training techniques. In addition to thrice-weekly flamenco lessons, he incorporates Brazilian-style portamento as a vocal technique, adopting cross-cultural methods.

3-1 International Recognition

• TIME Magazine (2024) featured Matsudaira in a special titled "Samurai of Samba," recognizing his contributions to cultural diplomacy.

• Festival de Rio 2023 saw him participate as a guest judge and deliver a lecture on "Japan's Carnivalization."

4. The Significance of "Osaka Week Summer" and the Eve of the Expo

4-1 The Expo Theme: "Designing Future Societies for Our Lives"

The Osaka-Kansai Expo opened in April 2025, surpassing 14 million cumulative visitors by the end of July (as announced by the organizers). In addition to presenting future visions of medicine, food, and art, the Expo emphasizes the soft power approach of "uniting humanity through dance."

4-2 Overview of the Osaka Week ~Summer~ Program

(Excerpt from the official site)Osaka-Kansai Expo

5. Event Details—Tickets, Schedule, and Viewing Methods

Tips for Reservation Steps

1. Switch to JPN→ENG display on the official app.

2. When entering your passport number, use Roman characters in the order of last name→first name.

3. Choosing Paypal payment increases the success rate of avoiding errors with overseas-issued credit cards.

6. Preparation Guide: Master the Lyrics, Chants, and Choreography

• Timing for the Chant "Ole!": On the 2nd beat after the chorus ends.

• Basic Steps: "Right foot forward→left foot forward→right foot back→left foot back" in 4 counts.

• Samba Stick: Available at the official goods shop for 1,200 yen. Equipped with LED for a striking effect at night.

• Recommended Costume Colors: Gold or Osaka Blue (Expo theme color).

Download the QR code-equipped pamphlet (multilingual support) in advance to check the lyrics offline.

7. How to Enjoy the Day: Photo Spots & SNS Utilization Tips

1. South Side of the Big Roof Ring "EXPO LED Screen":
   Take photos with AR fireworks combined with golden costumes.
   
   

2. In front of the Myakumyaku Statue:
   Use the dedicated AR filter for Matsuken Samba to create a "golden confetti" effect.
   
   

3. Hashtags:

   • #MatsukenEXPO2025

   • #GoldKimonoSamba

   • #OsakaWeekSummer

8. Access & Surrounding Sightseeing: Practical Guide for Foreign Tourists

Surrounding Spots

• National Museum of Ethnology: Learn about samba costumes in the Latin America exhibition room.

• EXPO '70 Pavilion: Tour the interior of Taro Okamoto's "Tower of the Sun" (reservation required).