From April 22nd to 28th, 2025, a one-of-a-kind experience is coming to the Osaka Kansai Expo’s Future Life Village—and it’s all about expressing what’s in your heart. The “Kimochi Kiosk,” produced by Smiles Co., Ltd. for Okamura Corporation, is a playful, interactive installation where visitors can exchange their honest feelings with someone special, using fictional snacks and everyday items as the medium.
Set up like a quirky convenience store, the Kimochi Kiosk shelves are lined with 46 imaginative “products” representing a range of emotions—from gratitude to apologies and unspoken thoughts. While you won’t actually buy or consume anything, each item acts as a messenger for your feelings. From boxed curry roux to cheer on a job well done, or "Sorry noodles" to atone for past mistakes, there's a fake food item to cater to almost any sentiment.
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Visitors typically enter in pairs, choose products that match what they want to say to the other person, and “pay” for them at a mock register — turning a shopping errand into a heart-to-heart exchange. The moment is even captured on camera, giving you a memento of your emotional mini-adventure.
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The Kimochi Kiosk is free to experience (Expo admission required), and no reservation is needed. Beyond its charm, it also reflects Okamura’s philosophy: that shopping and store spaces are fundamentally about human connection—a concept that hasn’t changed from the past and won’t in the future.
Learn more about the event via the official Instagram account here.
Getting there
The Expo 2025 venue can be accessed via Yumeshima Station on the JR Chuo Line. Direct buses from locations like Kyoto Station will also operate to and from the event.
Kim Bergström @kim.b
Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here. 🍵🌼🌸
