Expo '70 keychain with mother-of-pearl cherry blossom – unworn on original card with seal of authenticity

The emblem of the 1970 Osaka World Expo, inlaid with genuine mother-of-pearl — unworn, on the original golden display card, with the official seal of authenticity from the World Expo Association.

The card is printed with EXPO'70 · OSAKA JAPAN as well as the specification GENUINE Shell. The attached seal ("証紙") originates from the Japan Association for the 1970 World Exposition and bears the identifier EXPO'70 C.

The emblem and the material

The World Expo emblem—five circular segments forming a stylized cherry blossom around a center point—was designed by Ōtaka Takeshi and represents the five continents gathering around the host.

Here, it is not printed or enameled; rather, each of the five petals and the center point are covered with a cut piece of mother-of-pearl. Mother-of-pearl refracts light in layers, causing the surface to shimmer between rosé, green, and silver depending on the viewing angle—an effect no print can replicate. The background between the petals is finely guilloché-patterned, providing a matte contrast.

The attached seal is the real find: it was issued by the World Expo Association for authorized souvenir items and proves that this is a licensed product and not a later reproduction. On the vast majority of surviving pieces, it has long been lost.

Design

The pendant consists of the blossom-shaped medallion, a chrome-plated snake chain, and a lobster clasp. The settings for the mother-of-pearl inlays are neatly crafted and accentuate the individual petals.

The display card itself is part of the object: gold-colored print with Japanese and English labeling and a thermoformed plastic tray in which the pendant sits.

Dating

1970, for the World Expo in Osaka.

Condition

The pendant is unworn and remains unchanged on its display card. The mother-of-pearl inlays are complete, undamaged, and show no clouding; the chrome plating shows no abrasion.

The card shows age-related storage wear: rubbed edges, creases at the bottom corner, and slight discoloration. The clear plastic tray is present and slightly clouded. The seal of authenticity is attached and fully legible.

The actual condition is shown unretouched in the product photos.

Technical data

• Occasion: Osaka World Expo 1970 (Expo '70), licensed souvenir with authenticity seal EXPO'70 C
• Motif: World Expo emblem, design by Ōtaka Takeshi
• Material: Chrome-plated metal with genuine mother-of-pearl inlays
• Medallion diameter: approx. 3.5 cm
• Weight incl. original packaging: 14 g
• Dating: 1970
• Origin: Japan
• Condition: unworn on original card

For whom?

For collectors of World Expo memorabilia for whom the packaging is as important as the object. For enthusiasts of 1960s and 1970s Japanese graphic design. And as a small gift with a story that can be told in two sentences.

Warranty (pre-owned)

This is a pre-owned item. The limitation period for defect claims under statutory warranty is 12 months from delivery.