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10.08.2025
Playfulness and Creativity: Shaping the Future of Communication at the Jellyfish Pavilion — Learning Through a Student’s Experience
Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai is not only a showcase of innovation, but also a place to reflect on inclusion in society. At the Jellyfish Pavilion, Japan Convention Services (JCS) had the opportunity to engage with this theme through on-site involvement. As part of this effort, JCS supported the participation of a university student in a staff role—an experience that combined practical challenges with personal growth. This article shares how that journey deepened the understanding of inclusive communication.
A First Step into the Expo
For Daijiro, joining the Jellyfish Pavilion was a rare opportunity. Although he had never attended an Expo before and felt unsure about his customer service skills, he decided to step forward.
The first days were not easy. Greeting visitors and giving directions felt intimidating, but training and encouragement from fellow staff gradually built his confidence. A turning point came when he chose to greet visitors with a wave and a smile. What began as an awkward gesture soon drew warm responses—smiles, waves, and words of thanks. “I realized how a small action could create a welcoming atmosphere,” Daijiro recalls.
Discovering the Power of Inclusion
Through this experience, Daijiro discovered both the power of inclusive communication and the challenges that remain. As a wheelchair user, he noticed thoughtful design efforts at the pavilion, but also the difficulty of moving through crowded areas or supporting visitors with other accessibility needs. “It made me think deeply about how workplaces can ensure everyone feels confident, regardless of background,” he reflects.
Looking ahead, Daijiro is determined to strengthen his skills and help create environments where diversity is truly embraced. His time at the Jellyfish Pavilion was more than a student’s part-time job—it was a lesson in how inclusion comes alive in everyday actions.
Daijiro’s story shows that inclusion is more than a policy—it comes alive through real opportunities and everyday actions. At JCS, we will continue to design events and spaces where diverse people can connect, learn, and create together.
