SLOVAKIA TRAVEL has unveiled the official mascot for Slovakia’s pavilion at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka. Meet Kinji, a humble puzzle piece shaped like the lowercase letter “i.” Perplexing at first glance, Kinji’s minimalist silhouette carries some hefty symbolism, just as any good mascot should.
In Japanese Kanji characters, the lowercase “i” represents a person, but not merely in a biological sense. It’s meant to capture individuality and interconnectedness, a lofty concept for something that looks like it might’ve fallen out of a child’s playset. This design wasn’t just a creative exercise; it conveys a stark reminder of shared responsibility. The mascot is made almost entirely of recycled ocean plastics, with each unit containing roughly 100 grams of trash—equivalent to about 10 plastic bottles. Environmental cleanup never looked so approachable.
The brains behind this symbol, Peter Benčurík, CEO of SLOVAKIA TRAVEL, highlighted the mascot’s socially conscious origins: “Each piece is made of approximately 100 grams of ocean plastic, which is equivalent to 10 plastic bottles that were fished out and recycled instead of continuing to pollute the oceans.” Sure, a mascot doesn’t single-handedly fix the planet, but it’s a clever way to provoke thought (and maybe some guilt).
As for Kinji’s ambassador, who better than dual-Olympic gold medalist and slalom canoeist Elena Kaliská? If there’s anyone who understands navigating turbulent waters and carrying a message of perseverance, it’s her.
What Visitors Can Expect from the Slovak Pavilion
Mark your calendars—Slovakia’s pavilion opens its doors on April 13, 2025. Through a carefully curated sequence of events, the exhibit promises an impressive blend of culture, technology, and, yes, wine. Here’s a rundown of the scheduled highlights:
- Cultural Performances: Solos from Banská Bystrica State Opera singers. Expect drama and high notes.
- Meet-and-Greet Sessions: Visitors can snag autographs from top Slovak athletes (or at least those willing to sit behind a desk for several hours).
- Slovak Wine and Mead Tasting: Because nothing says “world exhibition” like sipping imported alcohol in a crowded pavilion.
- Interactive Gaming Experience: A virtual train ride through Slovakia compressed into a single video game. It’s like sightseeing, but faster.
And then there are the industry partnerships—a mix of institutions and brands that reflect Slovakia’s eclectic blend of tradition and innovation. Collaborators include the Slovak National Museum, Rona Crystal Glassworks, and even Pixel Federation, the gaming company behind the high-speed video game debut.
The Message Beneath the Glitter
Beyond the lineup of events and performances, Kinji symbolizes something more enduring: a call to action. With its modest frame made of discarded plastic, the mascot reminds visitors of the environmental compromises often swept under the proverbial rug.
Slovakia’s presence at EXPO 2025 serves two purposes: showcasing the country’s culture on a global stage and poking visitors with the stick of sustainability. After all, nothing says “welcome to our pavilion” like a mascot crafted from human negligence.
In the end, Kinji may not save the world, but he’s giving people something to think about. As the mascot patiently waits to entertain, educate, and possibly confuse visitors, one thing is clear—this little puzzle piece has a lot to say without saying much at all.
