[Expo Song Collection] Historical songs related to World Expos. The 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo too!
As a world expo where people, technologies, and innovations gather from around the globe, the World’s Fair serves as a catalyst for advancing groundbreaking technology and as a venue for cross-border exchange.
Commonly called the “Expo,” Japan will soon host the Osaka-Kansai Expo in 2025 for the first time in a while!
As this nationwide mega-event approaches, interest continues to grow—and you might also be wondering about the music that will help build excitement.
In this article, we’ll highlight songs related to the Expo!
From official theme songs and image songs to support tracks, there are plenty to explore—so be sure to check them out.
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[Expo Song Collection] Historical songs related to world’s fairs. The 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo too! (1–10)
Osaka-Kansai Expo OndoMineji Hiroshi
This song has been drawing attention as a cheer anthem to boost excitement for the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
The lively ondō sung by Hiroshi Mineji lifts anticipation for the Expo.
Its friendly Kansai-dialect lyrics carry hopes for the future.
Released as a single CD in February 2020, it also includes a karaoke version.
Although opportunities to perform it decreased for a time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has since regained attention.
As we head toward the 2025 event, it’s expected to be featured at local festivals and Expo-related events.
It’s a recommended track not only for those interested in the Expo, but also for anyone who wants to experience Kansai culture.
FLOWER REVOLUTIONTHE ALFEE
Released in 1990, this song became a popular number and was also chosen as the image song for the Osaka International Women’s Marathon.
The lyrics, written by Mr.
Takamizawa, are imbued with themes of love, hope, and a desire for social change.
It strikingly conveys a forward-looking spirit for starting anew.
Its energetic, romantic pop-rock sound is compelling, making it a staple frequently performed live.
Recommended for those who want to embrace hope for the future while sensing the contrast between idealism and realism.
Love that fills, dreams that connectyuru myuujikku hobo ooru sutaazu
Created as a support song for the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, this work carries a message of hope and solidarity.
Released by Yuru Music Almost All Stars in February 2022, it presents a powerful vision of people around the world connecting and building the future together.
Hotaka Yamashita, formerly of Ikimonogakari, wrote and composed the song, completing it based on lyric ideas solicited from the public.
Positioned as part of the Expo’s TEAM EXPO 2025 program, a 15-second spot video has also been released.
Celebrating how music unites people, this piece plays an important role in spreading the spirit of the Expo.
[Expo Song Collection] Historical songs related to World Expos. Osaka–Kansai Expo 2025 too! (11–20)
Osaka-Kansai Expo ~Yoko of the Harbor, Yokohama, Yokosuka~Kamon Tatsuo
This is a song brimming with Tatsuo Kamon’s heartfelt feelings for the Osaka-Kansai Expo, brought to you by a leading figure in Osaka’s music scene.
It brilliantly blends nostalgia for the Osaka Expo of the past with excitement for the new Expo, drawing you in with its upbeat rhythm and Kamon’s witty, lighthearted narration.
The arrangement, based on hit songs from the Showa era, is also outstanding, striking a perfect balance between a nostalgic atmosphere and a contemporary sound.
Although it was released digitally in December 2024, the track already captures the growing excitement ahead of the Expo.
It’s recommended not only for Expo enthusiasts but also for anyone looking to rediscover the charms of Osaka and the Kansai region.
Heart MessageNatsukawa Rimi
This grand, resplendent ballad overflows with warmth that gently embraces people’s hearts.
The Okinawan songstress weaves a voice that softly delivers messages of love and peace.
Released as a single in December 2004, the song was chosen the following year as the theme for NHK programming related to the 2005 World Exposition (Aichi Expo).
It received high acclaim, including winning the Gold Prize at the 47th Japan Record Awards.
When you want to express deep bonds and gratitude to someone special, why not listen to this song? Its heartwarming lyrics and melody are sure to gently wrap your feelings in kindness.
HOSHIMARU Ah!TPO2
This song symbolizes hope for a brilliant future.
Released in May 1984 as the official image song for the Tsukuba Science Expo, it was widely used throughout the exposition grounds.
Its appeal lies in a fresh, innovative world that fuses an advanced techno sound with a unique fictional language called “Hoshimaru-go.” The lyrics, inspired by Cosmo Hoshimaru, convey dreams of space and science and technology in a way that is easy for children to understand.
Produced using the latest technology of its time, the song is still beloved by many today.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to experience the progress of science or who’s interested in 1980s electronic music.
Gifts from the Seayamagata sumiko
A gentle, heart-soothing song of the Okinawan sea.
Released by Sumiko Yamagata in 1974, it served as the theme song for the Okinawa International Ocean Exposition.
It beautifully expresses the life and blessings bestowed by the sea, imbued with reverence for nature.
Carried by a folk-style melody, Yamagata’s clear, transparent vocals resonate.
Touching on Okinawa’s landscapes and culture, the song conveys the vastness of the ocean and the preciousness of life.
Featured on NHK’s “Anata no Melody,” it drew considerable attention.
It’s a calming piece you’ll want to listen to while gazing at the sea.