As anticipation builds for the opening of Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai on April 13, a spotlight shines on the upcoming pavilion Inochi Meguru Bōken ("Live Earth Journey"), produced by celebrated anime director and mechanical designer Shoji Kawamori. Drawing from the legacy of his iconic works Macross and Aquarion, the pavilion promises an unprecedented, immersive journey themed around the concept, “Life is all about fusion and transformation.”

Attending the press preview were numerous voice actors and artists, including Yuki Kaji, Nao Toyama, Hiroki Nanami, Megumi Nakajima, Hano, and composer Yoko Kanno, each offering enthusiastic impressions of their first-hand experience. Maaya Sakamoto also joined the pre-opening trial run of the pavilion.

At the heart of the pavilion is the Ultra Dimensional Theater attraction titled "499 Seconds: My Fusion", a VR-AR hybrid experience that simulates a galactic-scale food chain through dramatic fusion and transformation sequences. The pavilion also features a musical segment, “ANIMA!”, dubbed a “musical of life,” blending music, movement, and narrative to evoke the energy of living systems.

Kaji, who took part in Part 1 of the event, described the experience as, “An overwhelming sense of immersion—as if I had stepped into the world of games or anime. I felt like everything Kawamori wanted to express in his anime has finally been fully realized through this modern digital technology.”

Nanami, who modeled the attendants’ uniforms, spoke of the collaborative elements of the AR experience: “When we created polka dots together, it really felt like we were merging into one. The music was incredible too. Entertainment connects the world, and I believe life circulates through that connection. I hope people come and feel that sense of ‘life’ for themselves.”

Toyama also narrated ANIMA!, explaining, “I tried to channel a childlike wonder—something that brings people together in excitement and pure-hearted joy.”

The theme song for “499 Seconds: My Fusion” was composed by Yoko Kanno and performed by Megumi Nakajima and Hano. Nakajima reflected on the experience: “It’s a moment packed with the sensation of being alive. Singing while feeling something primitive reminded me of the importance of that connection.” Hano added, “It was so immersive I almost questioned whether it was really my voice. You can look around 360 degrees—from your feet to the ceiling—and once is not enough. I want to see it again and again!”

Kanno praised the vocal performances, commenting, “Nakajima’s voice has this delicate texture—like fine peach fuzz—that really catches emotionally. As for Hano, I chose her because I believed she could sing with a sacred, priestess-like quality.”

Meanwhile, Maaya Sakamoto takes on a key role as the Japanese and English narrator for 499 Seconds: My Fusion, further enhancing the experience for a global audience.
Blending cutting-edge immersive technology with Kawamori’s hallmark themes of cosmic connection and transformation, Inochi Meguru Bōken promises to be one of the standout attractions at Expo 2025.

Source : ORICON NEWS