Children's Expo at EXPO 2025 Osaka: A Gateway to the Future

Children's Expo at EXPO 2025 Osaka: Unlocking Doors to the Future

The Children's Expo, part of EXPO 2025 Osaka and organized by the Mirai no Takarabako Executive Committee, aims to enhance children's self-esteem through various experiential activities. Scheduled to be held on October 10 and 11, 2025, the event anticipates participation from 25 organizations, all dedicated to nurturing the potential of young minds through engaging hands-on experiences.

Background: A Need for Confidence

In recent studies, it has been revealed that Japanese children struggle with self-expression and the willingness to take on challenges compared to their peers in other countries. This lack of confidence has become a pressing societal issue. The Children's Expo seeks to address this gap by providing an environment where children can discover their dreams and potentials while feeling supported by their families.

Fostering Three Essential Skills

The event is designed to empower children with three crucial abilities:

1. Self-Esteem: Accepting oneself and holding confidence.
2. Self-Efficacy: The belief in their capacity to achieve goals.
3. Self-Worth: Feeling that their existence has significance in society.

By engaging in practical experiences, children will be encouraged to hold hope for the future and develop into proactive individuals.

Diverse Experiences Offered by Multiple Industries

The Children's Expo will be a collaborative project featuring contributions from various companies, including:

- Meta Osaka: Addressing local challenges through digital spaces and e-sports.
- Mamasora: Operating Japan's largest mom community and providing community-focused job experiences.
- Kids Star: Known for their children's social experience app 'Gokko Land' with 7.5 million downloads.

Alongside these organizations, companies from sectors ranging from manufacturing to IT, retail, finance, and healthcare will come together to present diverse job-related experiences. This will give children a unique opportunity to explore various roles that sustain Japan's economy and perhaps ignite their interest in specific careers.

Experience Highlights (as of July 25, 2025)

The participating companies will offer a range of activities, including:

- Aeon Delight: Experience the tools used in professional cleaning at the Expo site.
- H2O Retailing: Engage in Japan's unique hospitality and create original gift-wrapping.
- A&S: Craft personalized accessories using crushed stones.
- O-Gai Holdings: Shadow a dentist and dental technician in a dental vehicle.
- Kids Candy: Become a kid reporter and report on the event's highlights.
- Meta Osaka's: Experience future firefighter training in a metaverse setting.
- Wacoal: Learn design skills through creative upcycling.

These activities are designed to give children hands-on experience of different job environments, encouraging them to discover their likes and skills.

Comments from the Executive Committee Chair

Mari Tezuka, the chair of the Children's Expo Executive Committee, expressed immense gratitude for the support from over 25 collaborating organizations. She emphasized the importance of exposing children to various professionals and jobs, fueling their dreams and aspirations for the future. The committee aims to create a nurturing environment where every child can believe in their potential and pursue their dreams.