The "Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan" officially kicked off mid-month (April 13), launching a six-month run that's drawing massive crowds. Beyond the international pavilions, a slew of Japanese IPs are also setting up shop, showcasing the sheer power of Japanese culture.
Today (April 27), manga legend Tetsuo Hara, famed for "Fist of the North Star" and other iconic works, made an appearance at "Japan Expo Paris in Osaka 2025" during the Expo. This event, a local favorite in France for 25 years and hailed as a world-class Japanese culture festival, is making its grand debut in Japan at the Osaka Expo!
"Japan Expo Paris in Osaka 2025" is a full-blown celebration, covering everything from anime, manga, games, idols, and VTubers to traditional culture. Over two days (April 26-27), the EXPO Arena "Matsuri" and EXPO Messe "WASSE" were absolutely buzzing with Japanese pop culture fans, creating an electric atmosphere.
Today (April 27), manga artist Tetsuo Hara joined visual artist Masaya Ichi (ANIMAREAL) and Japan Expo organizer Jean-François Dufour to share hilarious anecdotes from their Paris events.
But here's where things got wild: during the event, someone asked Hara for an autograph. He quietly picked up his pen and started sketching. The moment his drawing appeared on the big screen, the crowd gasped at the outline. Hara had casually whipped up a crossover illustration featuring "Fist of the North Star's" very own Kenshiro alongside Osaka Expo's mascot, "Myaku-Myaku"! The venue absolutely erupted, with thunderous applause filling the air!
Hara even joked, "Getting older, I get a bit nervous drawing on the spot, worried it won't turn out well. But seeing everyone's reaction, it seems okay! I'm really happy to be at the Expo this time."
Seriously though, looking at that live drawing, you can't help but be blown away by Hara's skill. "Worried it won't turn out well"? Talk about humble!
via： oricon news