(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
On Sunday, April 13 this year, the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan will open. As part of the opening events, it was decided that the Air Self-Defense Force aerobatic squadron Blue Impulse will conduct a demonstration flight over Yumeshima, the Expo venue. Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is the first international exposition to be held in Japan in 20 years. We believe this is an event that requires the full commitment of all relevant parties, including the Government, the business community, and local governments working together. Therefore, the Ministry of Defense (MOD) and the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) have decided to conduct the Blue Impulse demonstration flight to build further momentum for this commemorative Expo. We will consider and coordinate the details, such as the flight program and route, going forward. In any case, we intend to make this a demonstration flight that brings joy to many people and contributes to making the Expo even more attractive. The MOD and SDF will also play their roles as much as possible for the success of the Expo. As a side note, now I am wearing a badge of MYAKU-MYAKU, the official character of the Expo, on my chest. This character has five eyes and cells forming rings around them, which, in terms of its meaning, represents the human DNA, wisdom, technology, history, and culture that have been passed down through generations. This transformable character is intended to express the idea of ensuring that all possibilities and human excellence continue to be passed down to the future. For that purpose, the “myaku” in its name refers to the Japanese for “pulse,” like the very essence of life being inherited, and represents arteries and veins. The red represents cells, and the blue represents pure water. Cells divide and multiply, while water changes shape as it flows. The Expo will be held under the grand concept or theme of interaction among all living things and matters. It will be held for 184 days from April 13 to October 13. The MOD will extend its cooperation to ensure the Expo’s success.