Overview

• Crowds formed at popular photo spots by the East and West gate statues and long queues persisted at official stores as the Expo prepared to close on October 13.
• Organizers will keep select official stores operating after the Expo and will continue selling goods through March, reflecting stronger-than-expected demand.
• The two giant gate statues will be moved to Expo ’70 Commemorative Park in Suita and are expected to tour tourist sites across Osaka afterward.
• After an initially negative reception in 2022, the character gained broad affection through on-site encounters and social media, with local media chronicling its spread via a “100-day camera” project.
• The merchandise boom fueled resale activity and even a June mass shoplifting case involving sought-after black plush toys, underscoring security and supply pressures.