[ The First Story, Arriving at the Very End ] MYAKU-MYAKU's Origin Story is Revealed as the Expo Enters its Final Days

Felissimo announced that pre-orders began on September 24 for a new picture book about the official character of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, "MYAKU-MYAKU." The book, titled MYAKU-MYAKU and... The Story of MYAKU-MYAKU's Birth, is published by Felissimo Publishing.
The book is written and illustrated by Kohei Yamashita, the very artist and designer who created MYAKU-MYAKU. This special publication was made possible by a 20-year-long creative relationship between Mr. Yamashita and Felissimo.

With only 14 days left until the Expo closes, this book is a heartfelt message for those who don't want to say goodbye to MYAKU-MYAKU. The character design for MYAKU-MYAKU itself was a creative process that spanned three years. This special picture book includes a section dedicated to that journey: an illustrated collection of design notes, all newly drawn by Mr. Yamashita. As a bonus for purchasers, the book also comes with exclusive MYAKU-MYAKU postcards. This picture book is the first official Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Official Licensed Productcreated by Mr. Yamashita himself.
Pre-orders are now being accepted on the Felissimo website, with plans to expand to more retailers in the future.

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Official Licensed Product
©Expo 2025

The story of MYAKU-MYAKU's journey from birth teaches us something truly important for our own lives: that the powerful energy of a being striving simply to exist—even one that starts unnoticed—can eventually resonate in the hearts of others, transforming it into a presence that is deeply and widely loved.
The picture book tells the tale of MYAKU-MYAKU's journey, starting as a tiny cell. As it encounters other living things, nature, and civilization, it discovers the wonder in the world's many shapes and colors. Through imagination, transformation, and connection, it continues to pulse onward, linking to the future.

Title: MYAKU-MYAKU and... The Story of MYAKU-MYAKU's Birth
Author: Kohei Yamashita
Size: 210mm x 210mm
Format: 36 pages / Full Color
Publisher: Felissimo Publishing
Price: ¥2,000 (¥2,200 including tax)
©Expo 2025

"This picture book is one of the original 'blueprints' for MYAKU-MYAKU that was always in my mind. I drew it for myself between the winter of 2022 and the spring of 2023.
It might be a little rough around the edges, but I decided to release it mostly as-is, without many changes. I felt that was the best way for people to feel the raw passion and ideas I had at that time.
I am so happy that Felissimo reached out to me, and that our long-standing connection has continued, creating this opportunity for so many people to see this story.
I truly hope this book reaches the hands of many, and that people will continue to love MYAKU-MYAKU for years to come."
– Kohei Yamashita

"I don't want to say goodbye." The first story arrived just before the finale.
This book is for everyone who thought MYAKU-MYAKU was a little strange at first, only to find themselves completely charmed and wishing the Expo would never end. It is the untold origin story of MYAKU-MYAKU, brought to life by its own creator, Kohei Yamashita.
MYAKU-MYAKU and... The Story of MYAKU-MYAKU's Birth follows our hero from its beginning as a single cell. As it meets other creatures, nature, and human civilization, it discovers the beauty in all the world's shapes and colors, learning to imagine, change, and coexist as it carries its pulse toward the future.

In addition to the main story, the book includes a special section where the author himself explains his design process. As a bonus, it comes with three exclusive postcards featuring new illustrations by Mr. Yamashita.

Note: Images are from a work in progress. Final product design and specifications may vary.

"The end of the Osaka-Kansai Expo is just around the corner. The story of how MYAKU-MYAKU became so beloved by so many teaches us something very important: that when we see a being trying its best to live, it touches our hearts and can grow to be deeply loved. I've seen so many comments on social media and official videos saying things like, 'I thought this character was so weird at first... but now I find it so adorable.' This book is for every single person who has developed a special feeling for the Expo and its unforgettable symbol, MYAKU-MYAKU.

The author, Kohei Yamashita, is a designer and picture book artist Felissimo has had the pleasure of working with for 20 years. This project began one day when he casually mentioned, 'I actually have an unpublished picture book.' When he showed us the manuscript, we saw the deep thoughts and intentions behind MYAKU-MYAKU's birth, and a character that was so full of life. Even though the Expo was already in its latter half, we knew that now was the perfect time to share it with everyone. We immediately asked if we could publish it, and Mr. Yamashita replied, 'I would love for Felissimo to be the one to release this book.' And now, finally, we can bring MYAKU-MYAKU and... The Story of MYAKU-MYAKU's Birth to you.

The Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai will end. But the story of MYAKU-MYAKU inside each of our hearts will never be over. We hope that you, too, will become part of the story, carrying MYAKU-MYAKU's pulse into the future."

Born in Kumamoto in 1971 and raised in Kobe. He graduated from Hyogo Prefectural Akashi High School's art program and the Osaka University of Arts. Under the name "mountain mountain," he works on a variety of projects centered on graphic and character design. Under the name "Kohei Yamashita," he creates picture books and children's literature. His major works include Chibi Kuwa-kun (Holp Shuppan) and Kyoryu Yuenchi (Poplar Publishing). He won the grand prize in the public competition to design the official character for Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan, where he created MYAKU-MYAKU's design, illustration, and concept, and has been involved in its design guides, profile, and costume development.

Shop Name: felissimore Osaka-Kansai Expo Store
Operating Period: April 13 (Sun) - October 13 (Mon), 2025
Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
TEL: 080-7184-2992
Special Website:

An image of “felissimore”　the store　at 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo

Please note: The picture book MYAKU-MYAKU and... The Story of MYAKU-MYAKU's Birth is not currently available for purchase at the physical "felissimore" store. Please pre-order it from the webpage linked below or from other retailers as they become available. Be one of the first to own this piece of Expo history. A story to be treasured long after the final goodbye:

◆ Contact: Takashi Yoshikawa, Public Relations Department, FELISSIMO Corporation TEL: +81-78-325-5700 FAX: +81-78-325-5725 Email: press@felissimo.co.jp