The 2025 "Osaka-Kansai World Expo" is gearing up to be one of Japan's biggest events of the year, running for half a year starting this April in Osaka. The buzz is real, with Bandai Namco setting up a "Gundam Pavilion" featuring a life-sized RX-78F00/E Gundam, and even Cover's Hololive VTubers joining the fray, sparking tons of conversation.
Today (March 19), at the press conference for the "PASONA NATUREVERSE Pavilion," officials dropped the news: a brand-new character, "Neo Atom" (暫譯, ネオアトム), will be making his debut as the pavilion's guide.
Neo Atom is a fresh creation by Tezuka Productions, drawing inspiration from the 1972 short story "Astro Boy Returns" (アトム還る), which was serialized in the magazine "Shogaku Yonensei." Unlike the Astro Boy we know, Neo Atom boasts an iPS cell-grown human heart, giving him a limited lifespan. This unique trait allows him to grasp the preciousness of life even more deeply than humans.
▼ Panels from the original "Astro Boy Returns" manga
▼ Neo Atom's character design
In a dramatic plot twist, the official backstory reveals that Neo Atom was brought back to life through the cutting-edge medical expertise of Dr. Black Jack from "Black Jack."
But wait, there's more! Tezuka Productions has crafted an exclusive original short film, "The Birth of Neo Atom," which will be screened only at the PASONA NATUREVERSE Pavilion at the Osaka Expo. Renowned composer Akira Senju is handling the music, with singer Ayaka Hirahara lending her voice as the narrator. Audiences will dive into the "NATUREVERSE" world through stunning full 3D animation, experiencing Astro Boy's brand-new origin story.
Here's a sneak peek at the new short film's synopsis:
Life in the space colony was once peaceful, but chaos erupts when an AI goes rogue, sending the colony hurtling towards the sun! To avert disaster, Astro Boy bravely steps forward, attempting to stop the runaway colony. He succeeds in neutralizing the threat, but the impact of the explosion costs him his life… Years later, Astro Boy, drifting through space, is discovered by Dr. Black Jack. Through the latest medical technology, he is brought back to life—thus, "Neo Atom" is born!
The "PASONA NATUREVERSE" Pavilion embodies the concept of "NATURE × UNIVERSE," showcasing a future society where humanity coexists with nature and supports one another, structured around three core themes:
① Body: Medical / Diet
Building a strong body through advanced medical technology and healthy eating.
② Mind: Life Value / Care
Centering on "care" to create a diverse, inclusive society where everyone looks forward to the future, filled with purpose and inner richness.
③ Community Connection: Work / Mutual Aid
Establishing a truly prosperous "Mutual Society" where everyone can work happily and live fulfilling lives.
▼ Exterior of the PASONA NATUREVERSE Pavilion
via： PR TIMES