Amid mounting debate, a well-beloved expo mascot has been returned, reportedly startling the event staff. The mascot, dubbed 'Uni', is a beloved character owing to its past appearances at Japan's high-profile worldwide expos. The unexpected return of the mascot has sparked heated discussions across various platforms, with many debating on who its rightful keeper should be.

Expo mascots hold significant value in Japanese culture and are often beloved by the general public. Sometimes, these mascots are kept as part of the event legacy by the organizational committee. The unexpected return of 'Uni' therefore disrupts the usual practice and sparks debates on the mascot's future, hitting close to Japanese values of heritage preservation and respect for public sentiment.

In comparison, in the US or EU, mascots typically don't hold the same long term cultural or emotional value, and tend not to create such controversies. If a similar issue arose, it would likely be handled quietly by the organization or owner, without attracting much public attention.