I’m thrilled (dokidoki!) to be interviewed like this… I began my activities in 2014 as “Haniwa Kachō,” promoting the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group for World Heritage registration. When the kofun cluster was officially recognized as a World Heritage Site in 2019, my efforts were acknowledged, and on August 28, 2020, I was promoted to Bucho. By the way, does this date ring any bells for you?

That’s right. Please remember it as Haniwa Day. After that, I focused on promoting Japan’s largest burial mound, the Nintoku-tennō-ryō Kofun, and the following year, on Haniwa Day, I was promoted to “Mayor’s Direct Special Assignment Director,” responsible for PR for the entire city of Sakai. Starting with supporting the kofun cluster, my activities have steadily expanded to include citywide promotion and now, (unofficially) boosting the EXPO as well.

In Sakai City, in collaboration with JICA Kansai (Japan International Cooperation Agency, Kansai Center), “Unofficial EXPO Support Ambassadors” outreach classes are held at schools throughout the city. These EXPO outreach classes were launched with the hope that children would grow up to be responsible for the future of the Earth and broaden their global perspective. The program introduces children to cultures from around the world.

It turns out that these children, even after attending the program, have been diligently preparing to “greet people from around the world at the EXPO venue.” When I heard this, I was struck and thought, “What a Haniwa-nderful initiative!” Much like little “ambassadors” getting ready to welcome visitors, I too wanted to help liven up the EXPO and share the charms of Sakai with many people. Inspired by this, in February of this year, I (self-)declared myself the “Unofficial EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai Support Ambassador” on my official X account.

One area where efforts remain strong is information sharing on the official X platform.

300 days before the Expo’s opening, we posted an homage image featuring the Sakai Citizen Arts and Culture Hall “Fenice Sakai” in the background, based on a photo shared by the Expo Association. To our surprise, the official Expo Association account quoted our post with applause. I was so moved I almost cried—though being a Haniwa, I can’t actually shed tears…

I’m so glad you noticed! I couldn’t help but get kofun (excited, pun intended) about it! I’ve also been (unofficially) creating key visuals in collaboration with the Expo and Myakumyaku. This particular poster (pictured on the right) has been especially well-received. It seems that even the Expo Association understands my position as a Sakai City employee and has been supportive of my efforts to highlight Sakai’s charm. I feel that we’ve built a very positive relationship with the Expo Association—or at least, that’s how I (optimistically) interpret it!

Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming “Rene,” the official character of the Czech Pavilion and a friend of Myakumyaku, to the Sakai Alphonse Mucha Museum. There, we had a passionate discussion about the Expo. Mucha, a painter from what is now the Czech Republic, has a deep connection to world expositions. The museum even houses sketches he created for the 1900 Paris Expo. We highly encourage you to visit and see them for yourself!

We also participate in events both inside and outside the city, moving our stiff bodies to directly communicate with attendees. Recently, we took the stage at the rock festival “METROCK 2024 OSAKA,” where we promoted the charm of the Expo and Sakai City to the audience. Since declaring ourselves as “Support Ambassadors,” we’ve been wearing a sash designed with Expo-colored kofun (ancient tomb) patterns. This sash has often become a conversation starter, leading to lively discussions about the Expo.

First and foremost, it has to be the “Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group.” One of its unique charms is how close it is to the local residents. I believe this is something special to a region where daily life and the ancient tombs have coexisted for over 1,600 years.

That’s right. By the way, the Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun visible from here is one of the “World’s Three Largest Tombs.” But, when compared to the “Great Roof Ring” of the Expo, which do you think is larger?

The Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun has a circumference of about 2.7 km, while the Great Roof Ring is about 2 km. Surprisingly, the Kofun is actually larger! Until now, we’ve described the size of the Kofun as “an area that could fit 12 Koshien Stadiums,” but ever since declaring myself an ambassador, I’ve developed a habit of comparing it to the Great Roof Ring. Walking around the Great Roof Ring should help you imagine the sheer size of the Kofun as well!

And Sakai City is also renowned as a city of history and culture. The traditions of tea ceremony, cutlery, incense, and chusen dyeing, among other traditional industries, continue to thrive to this day. For example, Sakai’s forged cutlery is cherished by chefs worldwide for its exceptional sharpness and craftsmanship. The spirit of mastery, which has been “steadily (Myaku-Myaku)” passed down through generations, remains one of Sakai’s greatest treasures.

I’m so glad you asked! One of the official licensed Expo products, the “Myakumyaku Ame-chan Tenugui,” has already been released and is dyed using the “chusen” technique by artisans from Sakai. Chusen allows both the front and back to be dyed simultaneously, making it resistant to fading even after long-term use. Years from now, seeing the vibrant patterns will hopefully serve as a reminder of the Expo and Sakai, creating a lasting connection.

Exactly! More than 10 companies based in Sakai, including a major restaurant chain headquartered in the city, are planning to exhibit at the “Osaka Healthcare Pavilion.” Additionally, electric bicycles handled by a Sakai-based company have been adopted as on-site mobility for Expo staff. I hope more people get to know about these Sakai businesses that are contributing to the Expo in various fields.

We will continue to actively share updates on social media and participate in events, but from here on, we want to focus even more on collaborating with citizens and local businesses to create excitement together.

I truly hope that the residents of Sakai City, who are so close to me, will visit the Expo venue. My secret goal is to increase the number of people who say things like, “I saw Haniwa Director working hard, so I decided to go to the Expo,” or “I wanted to support it too, so I’ve unofficially become an ‘ambassador’ myself.” If possible, I’d like to visit the Expo venue before the opening and share updates on the construction progress of pavilions related to countries, companies, and organizations connected to Sakai.

Since Sakai City will have a presence at the Expo venue during the event, I plan to visit the site and share the excitement firsthand. I’m sure people from overseas will see me and exclaim, “Wow! Haniwonderful!” This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to directly interact with people from around the world will be a chance to showcase the charm of Sakai. I hope to encourage visitors to come to Sakai themselves and experience its deep history, rich culture, and exceptional craftsmanship. Imagining the future society that will unfold at the venue makes my heart race and pulse with excitement! Though my head may be as hard as stone, I will continue to work with flexible thinking and a warm heart!