Italian pop culture powerhouse Lucca Comics & Games kicked off its participation at Expo 2025 Osaka recently as a key partner of the Italian Pavilion, presenting a rich programme that celebrates the cultural bridge between Italy and Japan.
Central to the event was the celebrated artist Yoshitaka Amano, officially named ambassador of the Italian Pavilion during the last Lucca Comics & Games. Amano presented four striking works inspired by Italian cultural icons, including Tosca, Madama Butterfly, and Turandot—all tied to composer Giacomo Puccini, whose centenary is in 2026. A special artwork of Pinocchio was also gifted to Italy’s Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli.
Another highlight was the appearance of manga legend Go Nagai, creator of Mazinger Z and Devilman. Nagai received the Pegasus Award for Culture from the Tuscany Region and led a panel on his manga adaptation of Dante’s Divine Comedy, the only comic featured in Florence’s Casa di Dante Museum.
This activity took place during “Tuscany: Endless Renaissance,” a week spotlighting the region’s contributions to culture and innovation. Lucca Comics & Games was showcased as a prime example of Italian creativity on the global stage.
The event also marked the first public unveiling of the Lucca International Comics Museum, a forthcoming centre for global comics culture to be built in Lucca’s historic Tobacco Factory. The museum, developed with support from Italy’s Ministry of Culture, the Tuscany Region, and the City of Lucca, aims to explore the intersection of art, storytelling, and contemporary mythologies.
“From Lucca to Osaka, we’re connecting the world’s most vital comics traditions,” said Lucca Comics & Games director Emanuele Vietina. “This is a celebration of storytelling that unites generations across borders.”
Lucca Comics & Games 2025 will take place from 29 October to 2 November. Find out more about the festival – including which guests are already announced to attend – here.
AloJapan.com