OSAKA - As Golden Week reaches its final day on May 6th, the Expo site is bustling with visitors debating what souvenirs to take home. To help those unsure of what to buy, a full investigation was launched into the most popular items.
During the Golden Week holiday, daily attendance sometimes exceeded 110,000, and many visitors could be seen strolling the venue carrying their favorite Expo merchandise. Among the trending items is the "Nui Badge (Face)," priced at 1,375 yen including tax. Designed to be modest and cute, it appeals to those who prefer a subtle touch.
For visitors wanting something bolder, the "Stuffed Headband: Prone Type" at 4,400 yen allows fans to wear plush characters as headbands while exploring the pavilions. Some guests even lined up at merchandise shops instead of heading straight for the exhibits, showing that collecting souvenirs has become a major part of the Expo experience.
To uncover what’s trending most, a detailed ranking of top-selling souvenirs at the venue's official stores was compiled.
Despite the cloudy skies, many guests were seen dressed in Expo gear from the morning. One frequent visitor on their sixth trip said, "We’re enjoying ourselves. I’ve bought bracelets and more. It’s our first time in the rain, but it’s manageable." Another noted, "We came from Yokohama and got this with money from our grandparents. I wanted the Myaku-Myaku dried squid so badly and rushed to buy it before it sold out."
From snacks to lifestyle goods, the Expo offers a wide range of unique items. A store near the East Gate operated by Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Stores—known for selling a single 4.4 million yen Myaku-Myaku doll that was snapped up within 30 minutes on opening day—provided the latest top 3 souvenir rankings:
3rd place: “Cha no Ka” matcha langue de chat cookies from Kyoto (8 pieces, 1,641 yen)
2nd place: Expo-themed Hi-Chew candies in strawberry (540 yen) and grape (1,296 yen) flavors
Taking the top spot is the Myaku-Myaku capsule figure series (500 yen each), with eight color and pose variations. They are so popular that they often sell out by late morning. During a 30-minute observation period, the figures were flying off the shelves.
A shopper said, "Everyone says these are great, so I came specifically to get them." Another added, "Since they're limited, I wanted one for the memory. You can buy up to five, so I did."
Among the capsule toys are ultra-rare "lucky colors"—a gold Myaku-Myaku and a metallic pink version. Many hope to get one of these special variants.
Meanwhile, at a store operated by Kintetsu Department Store near the West Gate, another item drew attention: a gold Myaku-Myaku piggy bank that gained fame after being gifted by Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa to former U.S. President Trump during tariff negotiations last month. The "Myaku-Myaku Soft Vinyl Piggy Bank" (8,800 yen) has since sold out, with a restock pending.
Also drawing long lines daily is the "Myaku-Myaku Lottery" (2,200 yen per draw), where participants are guaranteed to win a plush toy, with sizes and styles varying. Though not cheap, it remains a favorite among children.
Source: YOMIURI
