Netherlands selects Miffy as Osaka Expo 2025 ambassador
The Kingdom of the Netherlands have appointed Miffy, the iconic character created by Dutch author and illustrator Dick Bruna, as their ambassador for Expo 2025.
The Netherlands will participate in the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo with a pavilion which will be centered around the theme “Common Ground”.
The year 2025 holds particular significance as it marks two important anniversaries: the 70th anniversary of Miffy’s creation and the 425th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Netherlands.
The Netherlands Pavilion aims to celebrate these milestones, offering visitors a unique experience that shows both countries cultural and historical connections.
The central theme of the Netherlands Pavilion, “Common Ground”, addresses the need for international collaboration in tackling global challenges. The pavilion will emphasize the importance of shared understanding, mutual support, and collective action.
Miffy, known for her honesty, curiosity, and empathy, has been appointed as the Netherland’s children’s ambassador and will guide visitors through the pavilion’s exhibits, encouraging them to consider diverse perspectives.
Miffy will be integrated into various aspects of the visitor experience, appearing at child-friendly heights to create an immersive and engaging environment.
This design choice intends to recreate the feeling of walking through a physical picture book.
The pavilion’s cafe and gift shop will also offer a range of Miffy merchandise, including plush toys and exclusive items featuring a collaborative logo specific to the Netherlands Pavilion.
The Netherlands Pavilion features a prominent spherical structure, referred to as “a man made sun – the sun for the next generation” which is intended to symbolize sustainable clean energy and the sunrise.
The pavilion’s design is based on the principles of circularity. The interior of the sphere houses a 360-degree screen, providing visitors with an immersive audio-visual experience.
The Netherlands is known for its progressive stance on sustainability, and this pavilion will showcase those values.
The Netherlands Pavilion, with Miffy as its children’s ambassador, aims to create a memorable and meaningful experience for visitors, particularly children, while promoting the values of collaboration and sustainability.
Source: Official Website
Images: © AND BV & Plomp