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Osaka Expo nightmare-fuel mascot needs name, organisers ask for suggestions and Twitter delivers

Katie Pask May 1, 2022
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The mascot, described as aggressively disgusting, is currently without a name to call it by.

The organisers of the 2025 Osaka World Expo have decided to once more enlist the help of the public, this time to help them come up with a new name for their mascot.

You may remember the mascot was making waves online when it was first announced, as unlike normal character mascots, it looked like something straight out of a horror movie.

本日、#大阪・関西万博の公式キャラクターデザインが決定しました❗️
世界中から愛され、親しみを持たれるキャラクターとして育てていきます。
たくさんのご意見、ありがとうございました☺#Expo2025 #Osaka #kansai #大阪・関西万博公式キャラクター pic.twitter.com/kjNuOf5NTy

— Expo2025 大阪・関西万博 (@expo2025_japan) March 22, 2022

As one of the mottos of the event is designing a future society of shining lives, the monstrosity of a mascot has already been given a unofficial name by netizens — Inochi no Kagayaki-kun (Shining Life-kun). However, organisers have recently commented: “We aren’t considering that as the official name at this point.”

▼ “Wait, its name isn’t Inochi no Kagayaki-kun?! I hope they can find a great name for it!”

この子「いのちの輝きくん」って名前じゃなかったの！？w
良い愛称が出来るといいね！#イラスト #いのちのかがやき #いのちの輝きくん #イラスト好きな人と繋がりたい pic.twitter.com/FO4ykQ4JEQ

— あおつる (@aoturuyururi) April 26, 2022

Instead, the organisers have decided to ask the public for suggestions for a name. Seeing as the mascot will be used for promotional activities and official merchandise, this is a great opportunity to really be a lasting part of the 2025 World Expo.

Before you go rushing to suggest the mascot be named Sleep Paralysis Demon, be aware that the person who suggests the winning name will net themselves a cool 300,000 yen (US$2,310). The entry form also requires you to write your reasons for coming up with your suggested name, so “I’m suggesting ‘AGGGGGH-kun because just look at it,” probably won’t do you any favours.

Although you definitely won’t be alone in suggesting horror-based names, if comments by Japanese netizens are anything to go by. Those who had recovered from the shock of learning it was not in fact called Inochi no Kagayaki-kun were quick to come up with some gruesome suggestions of their own.

“I’m gonna suggest Death Bringer.”
“I think Curse from the Abyss would be a good choice.”
“What about End of the World-kun?”
“I’ve seen a lot of suggestions for Kill Me-kun, haha.”

▼ This Twitter user added some art to go with his suggestion of Game of Death.

シニゲーくん pic.twitter.com/kiBndmNDva

— 雨田(アマンダ) (@SIKISSYfacerock) April 26, 2022

Anyone can submit a name for consideration, and two suggestions are allowed per person. The name must be written in either hiragana or katakana, and names that are gender based will not be considered, as the mascot is genderless. Unfortunately, only Japanese nationals or people with Japanese residency are eligible to enter, but anyone who meets those requirements can send their suggestions here. Entries will be open until May 16.

In the meantime, take the time to cleanse your mascot palette with something a little less grotesque, like this drunk airplane mascot from Osaka International Airport.

Source: Livedoor News via Hachima Kiko
Images: Osaka 2025 World Expo Official Site
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