🔴 Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai x The University of Osaka! 🔵 “e-Symphony,” a grand concert connecting the world held by a-tune

On September 27, at the Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai “Festival Station,” the UOsaka Student Expo Committee “a-tune” hosted an online orchestra, “e-Symphony,” meant to connect students worldwide. The venue was filled with approximately 350 entranced people. Held as the culmination of five years of preparation for the Osaka-Kansai Expo, this event was attended by the two former presidents, Toshio Hirano and Shojiro Nishio, as well as the current president, Atsushi Kumanogoh.

A tune was founded in October 2020 with the goal of connecting students around the world through music. Guided by their principle of “UNITY,” envisioning “a society where individuals respect different views and backgrounds of each other,” the group currently has 218 members from 41 countries and regions. Students from various countries performed together using the “ParoTone,” an electronic keyboard designed to be played easily even by those who cannot play the piano. This instrument was developed by eMotto Co., Ltd., a startup launched by graduates of the University of Osaka. Typically, audio delays occur during remote communication across countries, but a program developed by eMotto Co., Ltd.'s with their proprietary technology resolved this issue.

On the day of the event, three locations in the Philippines, along with Hungary and Germany, streamed live online performances. In the opening remarks, they declared, “Please enjoy music from all over the world.” The event kicked off with the official theme song for the Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, “Kono Chikyu no Tsuzuki wo (The Planet Goes On),” followed by the performances of “It's a Small World” and “Jupiter from ‘The Planets’” in a vibrant atmosphere. In the end, the audience at the entire venue joined in a grand chorus of "We Are the World." Reflecting on the journey, the representative Kaoru Yoshikawa (4th year, School of Engineering) stated, “In the lead-up to this event, we have addressed and resolved numerous challenges, including improving performances and stage production, securing funding, and obtaining the right to exhibit at the Expo 2025.” He expressed gratitude by introducing each of the various organizations that have collaborated, bringing the event to a close. Besides the music, projection mapping realized with the support from Kwansei Gakuin University also livened up the venue, with recorded video footage and messages from various countries projected onto the sides of the venue.

On the same day, President Kumanogoh visited the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion and toured various booths showcasing UOsaka’s diverse research achievements.

At the booth of the Japan MA-T Industrial Association, which has achieved remarkable results in infection control, sterilization and deodorization, and oral health for both humans and animals, Professor Sakai Takayoshi (Graduate School of Dentistry) explained the research. President Kumanogoh stated, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, my laboratory was able to prevent cluster outbreaks and continue medical activities without interruption by utilizing MA-T,” giving a high evaluation to the practicality and contribution of the research.

At the “cultured meat” booth, which applies 3D printer technology, Professor Michiya Matsusaki (Graduate School of Engineering) explained its structure and prospects for practical application. President Kumanogoh commented, “I'm keen on trying it soon. Such outstanding research is a source of pride for the University of Osaka.”

Afterwards, President Kumanogoh tried "The Game of Life," a game that incorporates some of the university’s research achievements, feeling the broader social impact of the research.

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