Hello there.
At long last, the Japan Expo 2025 Osaka has begun!
Well, a lot happened today as well, but for now, congrats are in order! Haha.

This Expo is probably hitting home for all the yokai enthusiasts out there.
Yes, I’m talking about none other than Myakumyaku-sama, also known as “Inochi Kagayaki-kun.”


What can I say? Myakumyaku-sama seems to have it flowing—this genetic pull that attracts those of us enchanted by yokai. When the Expo details were first released, and the logo featuring the red fluffy design with many eyeballs was unveiled, the excitement was off the charts… lol.

It was like watching the characters from the Hyakki Yagyō (Night Parade of One Hundred Demons) that I’ve scrutinized countless times come together at high speed like a Rubik’s cube—it was thrilling!

And so, I ended up drawing fan art for a change.
(Myakumyaku-sama has been officially approved for non-commercial fan creations)



According to the official lore, the red parts represent “cells,” while the blue parts are “pure water.”
…It was as if I heard the sound of inspiration locking into place, haha.

The traditional artistic techniques of East Asian art flow from ink wash painting to ukiyo-e and irezumi (Japanese tattoos). Now, they’re expressed worldwide by tattoo artists as part of Japanese tattoo culture etched into people’s skin.
And, of course, it goes without saying here, but when you think of water, you think of dragons.

When you reflect on it, tattoos are fascinating. While the aesthetic spirit of the art continues unbroken, the designs inked into cells disappear when a person passes away.

Summary

To be honest, the Osaka Expo has made us think “Is everything okay?” more times than I can count. But it’s been said—and felt—since around the 2010 FIFA World Cup that online news tends to amplify the negative aspects of events like these.
I sincerely hope the locals can pull off a smooth success.

Isn’t Yumeshima also planning an F1 bid? Naturally, Suzuka Circuit wouldn’t back down, and now that Toyota is partnering with Sauber, Fuji Speedway likely won’t remain silent either.
The fight to secure one slot in this symbol of wealth and power, F1, including competition from Global South nations, will surely become intense.

Right now, with Yuki Tsunoda promotion to a top team of Redbull, Japan’s F1 popularity is on the verge of exploding. If he were to seize the podium’s peak, the situation would undoubtedly shift at light speed.
And next in line is Ayumu Iwasa, who hails from Osaka. Go Osaka!