What You’ll Learn in This Article
- The characters and performances featured on the USJ 25th Anniversary Special Stage
- Highlights from the Gamba Osaka alumni talk show with Akira Kaji and Michihiro Yasuda
- Venue highlights featuring Kansai TV station characters and Moflem
On August 1, 2026, I visited “EDION presents Namba Genki Matsuri 2026,” held at Namba Square in Osaka.
EDION’s first city festival was packed with uniquely Osaka entertainment, including the Universal Studios Japan 25th Anniversary Special Stage, a talk show with former Gamba Osaka players, and special stages presented by television and radio stations.
A large crowd gathered at the venue, filling the entire Namba area with a lively festival atmosphere.
EDION presents Namba Genki Matsuri 2026
◇Watching the USJ 25th Anniversary Special Stage!
The main attraction for me was Universal Studios Japan’s 25th Anniversary Special Stage, “Summer Matsuri Discover U‼︎!”
Taking the stage were:
Elmo and Cookie Monster from Sesame Street™
Woody Woodpecker and Winnie Woodpecker
Reika Ayanokoji, the sharp-tongued general manager, and one familiar fan-favorite character after another appeared onstage and treated the audience to energetic dance performances.
And of course, the dancers joined them too!
Along with this summer’s Summer Matsuri theme song, the cast delivered a special performance set to music from the 25th anniversary parade, instantly bringing the excitement of USJ to the venue.
The show lasted about 15 minutes, but Reika Ayanokoji’s razor-sharp wit was as lively as ever despite the heat. Her fast-paced banter won over the crowd and made everyone forget the summer temperatures for a while.
Second performance, filmed from the front-side area
First performance, filmed from the front
◇Gamba Osaka Alumni Talk Show
The event also featured a special talk show with former Gamba Osaka players:
Akira Kaji
Michihiro Yasuda
Team mascot Moflem also made an appearance, drawing loud cheers not only from soccer fans but from families as well.
◇A Special Stage Featuring Characters from Kansai TV Stations
Characters from Kansai’s major television stations gathered for the opening ceremony.
MBS’s Liyonchan, ABC TV’s Ebicy, TV Osaka’s Takorukun, Kansai TV’s Hachiemon, and Yomiuri TV’s Shinobee
EDION’s character Iina-chan also appeared!
◇Event Information
Event: EDION presents Namba Genki Matsuri 2026
Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
Hours: 1:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. (doors open at noon)
Venue: Namba Square (5-chome Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka)
Admission: Free (a special viewing area was available)
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