The Mascot of Expo 2025 Osaka: “Myaku-Myaku” – An “Ugly-Cute” Charm That Won the World

2025年大阪世博会已然开幕，而这场盛会的吉祥物“脉脉”（Myaku-Myaku）早已凭借其独特的外形和深刻的寓意成为全球热议的焦点。这个由插画家山下浩平设计的软体生物，以其“丑萌”的形象和丰富的内涵，成功打破了传统吉祥物的审美框架，成为当代流行文化中一个引人深思的现象。

As Expo 2025 Osaka approaches, its official mascot “Myaku-Myaku” has already become a global sensation with its unique appearance and profound symbolism. Designed by illustrator Kohei Yamashita, this amorphous creature has successfully broken the conventional aesthetic framework for mascots with its “ugly-cute” image and rich connotations, emerging as a thought-provoking phenomenon in contemporary pop culture.

设计灵感与象征意义

Design Inspiration and Symbolism  

“脉脉”的核心设计灵感源自“细胞”，象征着生命的起点与无限可能。其红蓝相间的配色不仅代表了细胞分裂的动态过程，还隐喻着生命演化与科技进步。名字“脉脉”取自日语“ミャクミャク”，意为“绵延不断”或“生生不息”，既呼应了生命的脉搏，也体现了文化的传承。这一设计巧妙地将世博会关注的生命科学、可持续发展等议题融入其中，赋予了吉祥物更深层次的意义。

The core design of Myaku-Myaku draws inspiration from “cells”, symbolizing the origin of life and infinite possibilities. Its red-and-blue color scheme not only represents the dynamic process of cell division but also metaphorically reflects the evolution of life and technological progress. The name “Myaku-Myaku” is derived from the Japanese word “ミャクミャク”, meaning “continuous” or “everlasting”, echoing both the pulse of life and the transmission of culture. This ingenious design seamlessly incorporates the Expo’s themes of life sciences and sustainable development, endowing the mascot with deeper significance.

争议与魅力并存

Controversy and Charm in Harmony  

自亮相以来，“脉脉”的外形便引发了广泛讨论。有人称其为“恐怖宇宙”，也有人认为它充满了“纯正大阪风”的怪趣魅力。然而，正是这种独特甚至有些诡异的外表，成功吸引了年轻一代的注意。在追求个性与差异化的今天，年轻人不再局限于传统的“美丑”标准，而是更看重形象带来的新奇感和话题性。“脉脉”的“丑萌”特质恰恰契合了这种心理，让人们在轻松娱乐的氛围中逐渐接受并喜爱上它。

Since its debut, Myaku-Myaku’s appearance has sparked widespread debate. Some have dubbed it a “cosmic horror”, while others see it as embodying the quirky charm unique to Osaka. Yet, it is precisely this distinctive and somewhat eerie look that has captivated the younger generation. In an era that celebrates individuality and differentiation, young people no longer adhere to traditional standards of “beauty” or “ugliness” but instead value novelty and the ability to spark conversations. Myaku-Myaku’s “ugly-cute” quality perfectly aligns with this mindset, gradually winning people over in a lighthearted and entertaining way.