The Popularity of Myakumyaku Continues Even After the Closing—The Background and Future of the "Official Merchandise Continued Sales" of the Osaka-Kansai Expo

1. What's Happening? —— Organizing the News of "Sales After Closing"

According to reports on September 6, the sale of official Expo merchandise is set to continue even after the closing on October 13, with Myaku-Myaku-related products leading the sales. The association and license companies are discussing the extension. Although the full details of the final decision have not been disclosed, the trend is clear, and the understanding that closing does not equal the end of sales has spread.Livedoor News

Supplement: Review of the Closing Date (Exhibition Period)

The Osaka-Kansai Expo will be held from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The official website also indicates the exhibition period.Expo 2025

2. "Myaku-Myaku" Popularity Boost —— The Economic Impact of "Merchandise"

Local reports visualize the momentum of merchandise sales, with lines in front of official stores, an average purchase of about 9,200 yen, and an estimated "shopping expenditure" of 45.6 billion yen at the venue (based on estimates and program surveys). The total visitor consumption is also estimated at 354 billion yen, with "last-minute demand" continuing before the closing. These figures suggest that a certain level of secondary demand will continue even after the closing.FNN Prime Online

3. Where to Buy After Closing? —— The Reality of Purchase Channels

3.1 Official Online Store

The **"2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo Official Online Store"** sells licensed products that can be purchased outside the venue. During the exhibition period, an online system exclusive to visitors was also set up, but after closing, the focus is expected to shift to general EC use.Expo 2025

3.2 Official Stores Outside the Venue Nationwide

The official website lists stores outside the venue, including Osaka, Tokyo, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Naha, extending to department stores, large bookstores, and station areas. These store networks are expected to serve as "receptacles" even after closing.Expo 2025

3.3 Stations, Department Stores, and Pop-up Developments

From before and after the exhibition period, the official store near JR Osaka Station Central Gate and other railway junctions have been strengthening their routes. In September, just before the closing, a pop-up appeared at JR Kyoto Station, confirming the "continuity" of distribution.SoraNews24 - Japan News -Asahi Shimbun

Important: The specific handling period, stock policy, and resale availability after closing may depend on the judgment of each store and sublicensee, so please check official announcements regularly.expo2025mlo.jp

4. What is "Myaku-Myaku"? —— A Mini Guide for Foreigners

**MYAKU-MYAKU (ミャクミャク) is the official mascot of the Osaka-Kansai Expo. It is set as an amorphous entity with elements of blue "water" and red "cells," created through a public competition in 2022. Through exposure at domestic and international events and collaboration products (e.g., Sanrio), it has expanded its support with its unique charm of being "creepy but cute."**WikipediaEssential Japan

5. Why Sell After Closing? —— The Business Rationality

1. Sustained Demand: Not limited to last-minute purchases before closing, "secondary consumption" is expected from those who did not visit, overseas fans, and visitors who wish to purchase after returning home.

2. Distribution Channel Development: With nationwide stores and EC well-established outside the venue, there is little necessity to stop sales immediately upon closing.Expo 2025

3. Collaboration and IP Expansion: The potential for character IP expansion is significant, allowing for long-tail opportunities through reintroducing collaborations and regional souvenirs.expo2025mlo.jp

4. Preservation of Brand Assets: Functioning as a "vessel of memory" even after the Expo closes, leading to future tourism consumption and revisitation demand.

6. Purchase Guide for Overseas Fans & Visitors

• Using Domestic EC: Official online stores often cater primarily to Japan, and whether overseas shipping is available varies by shop. Always check terms of use and shipping policies (contact each store if unclear).Expo 2025

• Physical Store Routes: Convenient options include stores in Tokyo (Maruzen in Marunouchi, Daimaru Tokyo, etc.), major stations in Osaka, and department stores with good airport access.Expo 2025

• Beware of Resales and Counterfeits: The association and master license office are strengthening counterfeit product measures. It is recommended to verify official signs and retailers.expo2025mlo.jp

7. How Long Will It Last? —— Understanding "Period and Assortment"

Currently, there is no set deadline, and it is at the stage of a "forecast" based on reports. Practically, it may be gradually reduced and organized over several months to the end of the fiscal year, depending on ① stock and additional production, ② collaboration contract periods, and ③ the positioning of seasonal and commemorative products. Digital initiatives after closing (e.g., handling of point services) are also announced to continue until mid-December, so it is natural for merchandise to have a soft landing in step with the "afterglow" of surrounding operations (e.g., point example; not a guarantee for merchandise).Expo 2025

8. What Items Should You Buy Now? —— The Two Axes of "Memory" and "Practicality"

• Classic Plush Toys and Keychains: Areas prone to specification changes in later years. First editions and exhibition versions have high "memory value."

• Local and Venue-Limited Packaged Sweets: Pay attention to expiration dates. If the package design is "exhibition design," it also has commemorative value.

• Stationery and Daily Necessities: Items that can be used daily and keep "memories" close at hand for a long time.

• Collaboration Items (e.g., Railways, Sanrio): Prone to the influence of collaboration periods and resale availability, so it's best to buy when you find them.Essential Japan

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Will "limited" items that could only be purchased at the venue be resold after closing?
A: Policies vary by product. Items that were part of the visitor-exclusive online system are generally tied to the exhibition period. Check each company's announcements for whether they will switch to general availability.Expo 2025

Q2: What are the options if overseas shipping is not available?
A: Options include domestic pickup (check facility regulations for hotel delivery), using a friend living in Japan, or waiting for cross-border EC mall deployment. "Proxy purchases" outside of official channels are not recommended to prevent trouble.expo2025mlo.jp

Q3: How can I spot fakes?
A: Look for official license markings (brand signs), reliable sales channels, and the presence of receipts. If in doubt, refrain from purchasing and consult the official contact.expo2025mlo.jp##HTML_TAG_478