(L-R) Artisans Juliana Embrose and Maznah Unyan at their booth at the Malaysian Pavilion in the Osaka Expo 2025. (Maznah Ungyan pic)
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian pavilion at the Osaka World Expo in Osaka, Japan has been receiving glowing reviews this year, drawing over 2.8 million visitors who were attracted by its vibrant design, rich cultural showcases, and flying roti canai.
The pavilion highlights the richness and diversity of Malaysian life, from its food to cultural practices.
And showcasing the nation’s indigenous heritage are Maznah Unyan, a Mah Meri master weaver from Pulau Carey, Selangor, and Juliana Embrose, a Bidayuh master beader from Siburan, Sarawak.
Presenting Orang Asli crafts to a Japanese audience has certainly been an interesting experience for both Maznah and Juliana, who have never visited the Land of the Rising Sun before.
Maznah and Juliana at the entrance of the Expo. (Maznah Ungyan pic)
“I am very proud and grateful to be representing Malaysia, and the Mah Meri here.
“Before coming, I was very nervous about meeting the Japanese people and speaking to them. The only Japanese I knew were the words for ‘thank you’,” Maznah, 57, told FMT Lifestyle, speaking in Bahasa Malaysia.
“But after about two weeks of adapting, things are good. Although I sometimes miss my family and call them to catch up.”
Maznah and Juliana have spent around seven weeks in Osaka already, nearly halfway through their three-month stint there.
Previously, there were two other Orang Asli male artisans at the expo: Samri, a Mah Meri wood carver also from Pulai Carey, and Hannan, a Temiar artisan from Gua Musang, Kelantan.
Maznah with Japanese visitors at the Malaysian Pavilion in Osaka, Japan. (Maznah Ungyan pic)
Maznah’s main role at the Pavilion is to showcase traditional Mah Meri “bujam” weaving, using screwpine leaves to craft bookmarks and bracelets.
“The Japanese enjoy learning about new things from Malaysia. They are full of praise for our handicrafts and are curious about the materials we use,” Maznah said.
Many of the visitors often had questions, which would be translated to her by Malaysian students helping out there.
Adjusting to life there has been challenging, Maznah said, especially adapting to Japanese cuisine and the long daily commute to the Expo.
She shared an experience of finally tasting a bowl of Sarawak laksa after a long time — and said she enjoyed it so much that she dozed off on the train later and missed her stop!
A Japanese visitor takes a selfie with Maznah and Juliana as they demonstrate their traditional crafts at the Osaka World Expo. (Maznah Ungyan pic)
Although she experienced some culture shock, Maznah said her time in Osaka has opened her eyes to new cultures. She also made many new friends, requesting a special shout-out to Konomi Nozaki of Kyoto.
“I enjoyed watching the Expo’s visitors experience something they have never seen before. Many enjoy taking photos of our pavilion, even elderly visitors and young children,” Maznah said.
“I enjoy showing them how to weave. Sometimes they don’t have time to watch my demo, but it’s okay, I just give them a souvenir. I hope it will become a souvenir that gives them happy memories.”
Located on a 2,655-sq-m site across three floors, the Malaysia Pavilion is themed “Weaving a Future in Harmony”, and highlights Malaysia’s commitment to a sustainable, inclusive and forward-looking future.
The Osaka World Expo started on April 13 and will run till Oct 13 this year.
AloJapan.com