Meet Yukimaru — The Legendary Dog of Japan Who Understood Human Language
◆ Spring Appearance: April 19 (Sat) – 22 (Tue), KANSAI Pavilion – Multipurpose Area◆ Fall Appearance (Scheduled): September 18 (Thu) – 19 (Fri), SIGNATURE Pavilion – Dialogue Theater “sign of life”
What is Yukimaru?
Yukimaru is a unique figure recorded in Japan’s ancient chronicles — a legendary dog known as the faithful companion of Prince Shōtoku, one of Japan’s most respected historical figures. According to legend, Yukimaru understood human speech, recited Buddhist sutras, and even left a will before passing away. It is also said that his bark on New Year’s Day would bring a bountiful harvest.
Today, Yukimaru lives on as the official mascot of Oji Town in Nara Prefecture. His statues, illustrations, and themed spots can be found throughout the town, where his story continues to be cherished by locals and visitors alike. As a symbol of harmony, wisdom, and kindness, Yukimaru bridges the ancient past and the present in a uniquely heartwarming way.
Let's Try Pin Trading with Yukimaru!
Exchange pins with Yukimaru and make your trip unforgettable!During Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, you can take part in exclusive “Pin Trading” with Yukimaru.
Bring a pin badge from your country, region, or local municipality, and trade it for an original Yukimaru pin badge!
How to Trade Pins with Yukimaru
- Find Yukimaru or a staff member from Oji Town.
- Let them know you have a pin badge to trade.
- Exchange it for a Yukimaru pin and take home a memorable piece of your Expo experience!
Please note: Pin trading is limited to badges representing countries, regions, or local municipalities.
Your Pin Could Be Displayed in Oji Town, Japan!
Pin badges traded at the Expo will be featured in a special exhibition at the Oji Town Community Exchange Center after the event.It’s a rare chance for your country’s badge to be displayed in Japan — along with pins from around the world!
【Venue】 Oji Town Community Exchange CenterExhibition dates to be announced on the official website and SNS.
Get Yukimaru Badges and Stickers, Too!
● Take a photo with Yukimaru at the Expo and post it on social media with the hashtag #MeetYukimaru — you’ll receive an exclusive Yukimaru can badge as a thank-you!● Not posting? No problem! Yukimaru stickers will also be given out to visitors — no SNS post required.
Share a Photo That Connects Your Country and Japan
Take a Photo with Yukimaru and Share It on SNS! Join the "Photo with Yukimaru!" CampaignPost your photo with Yukimaru using the hashtag #MeetYukimaru to get a limited-edition can badge!
Free Yukimaru stickers are also available to all visitors.
How to Join
- Take a photo with Yukimaru at Expo 2025
- Post it on Instagram, X or other platforms with #MeetYukimaru
- Show your post to the staff and receive your can badge!
Instagram: @yukimaru_6668
Show the world your journey with Yukimaru!
Take a photo with your Yukimaru pin badge, sticker, or other souvenirs in your hometown — and post it on social media with the hashtag #MeetYukimaru!Your photo will be part of a special display in Oji Town, connecting your country with Japan through Yukimaru.
If your post is found, your country or region may be highlighted on a world map at the exhibition site!【Venue】 Oji Town Community Exchange Center
Exhibition dates to be announced on the official website and SNS.
Yukimaru’s Hometown — Oji Town in Nara
Oji offers a variety of ways to experience Yukimaru in real life. From local ramen shops to the peaceful Daruma Temple, where Yukimaru’s grave rests, the town is filled with friendly places and photo spots. You can also enjoy the Yukimaru Road, lined with character statues, cafés, and even sweets named after him!
You can find it at a local café in Oji Town. A perfect treat to make your Yukimaru adventure even more memorable.
Follow Yukimaru’s Pawprints on Yukimaru Road
Right outside JR Oji Station, you’ll spot Yukimaru’s pawprints on the ground — your journey begins here!Follow the footprints to discover Yukimaru statues along Yukimaru Road, a charming walking route that leads you all the way to Daruma Temple, where his grave lies.
It’s about a 15-minute walk from the station — the perfect way to explore Oji Town with Yukimaru as your guide!What to See in Oji Town
Oji Town created this immersive 360° VR content so you can experience a time-traveling journey through Japan’s ancient heritage.
Take a virtual trip back in time — all starting from Mt. Myojin.
- Daruma-ji Temple: Yukimaru’s final resting place and a temple with ties to Prince Shōtoku.
- Yukimaru Road: A walking route through town featuring Yukimaru footprints and statues — perfect for photos!
- Yukimaru Mini Plaza: Check out cute merchandise, displays, and more Yukimaru-themed fun.
- Yukimaru Café Poem: Enjoy "Yukimaru"-themed sweets like the popular Yuki-māru dessert.
Getting There
Oji Town is easy to reach by train from major cities in the Kansai region:- From Tennoji: About 20 minutes via Yamatoji Line (toward Nara / Kamo)
- From Osaka: About 40 minutes via Yamatoji Line (toward Nara / Kamo)
- From Nara: About 15 minutes via JR Line (toward Osaka)
- From Kyoto: About 75 minutes via Nara Line (toward Nara) or Yamatoji Rapid Service (toward Tennoji)
For sightseeing information: Oji Town Travel Info on Guidoor
Oji Town Celebrates Its 100th Anniversary in 2026!
Visit the official 100th Anniversary Website: oji-town-100th.jp
Oji Town, located in Nara Prefecture, will celebrate its 100th anniversary as a municipality in February 2026!
Since the Meiji era, Oji has flourished as a vibrant commercial hub and a key transportation center in the region. Surrounded by natural beauty and rich in history — especially its connection to Prince Shōtoku — the town is full of historical charm and modern energy.
One of its most famous spots is Daruma-ji Temple, which carries a legend:
Prince Shōtoku once helped a starving man lying by the road — believed to be an incarnation of Bodhidharma. This story lives on in Oji, and the temple now hosts a unique annual event:
The All Japan Daruma-san ga Koronda Tournament
The All Japan Daruma-san ga Koronda Tournament, held in the temple grounds, brings together people of all ages for a fun and heartwarming competition.(“Daruma-san ga Koronda” is a traditional Japanese game similar to “Red Light, Green Light,” where players try to reach a goal while freezing when the caller turns around.)
Daruma-san ga Koronda Tournament – Guidoor: https://www.guidoor.jp/en/lp/6929
Download Yukimaru Wallpapers!
Take a piece of Yukimaru home with you!
Whether you met him at the Expo or plan to visit his hometown one day, keep the memory alive with original Yukimaru wallpapers for your smartphone or desktop.
Choose your favorite design below and download it for free.
Follow & Share Yukimaru on Social Media!
Want to keep up with Yukimaru after the Expo?Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates, events, and adorable Yukimaru moments!
● Instagram: @yukimaru_6668
● Oji Town Tourism Website
Share your favorite memories of Yukimaru from Japan using the hashtag: #MeetYukimaru
Let your photos connect your country and Japan — one smile at a time.
Get to Know Yukimaru
Name: Yukimaru (ゆきまる)- Gender: Male
- Age: 1 year old (still playful and pure at heart)
- Personality: Relaxed, gentle, curious, and a little clingy
- Hobbies: Strolling through town and napping in the sun
- Special Skills: Guiding visitors around Oji Town… ...and known for his sudden naps!
- Favorite Foods: Noodles, rice cakes (daifuku), okara, and soy milk
- Favorite Phrase: "Live in harmony with others" ("Wa wo motte toutoshi to nasu"「和をもって尊しと為す」)
Click here for a detailed profile: About Yukimaru (Guidoor)
Yukimaru Dance – “Love Love Yukimaru!”
Watch Yukimaru dance to his cheerful theme song!This fun, catchy video shows Yukimaru’s adorable moves and is loved by fans of all ages.
Discover the story of Yukimaru, a remarkable dog from Japanese legend, waiting for you in Oji Town.