The World of Veronika Marék – Laci and the Lion: Stories That Connect Us
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Don’t miss the chance to meet Veronika Marék in person at Expo 2025 Osaka and discover the magic behind Laci and the Lion, loved across generations.
Step into the world of Veronika Marék at Expo 2025 Osaka’s Women’s Pavilion. Discover how Laci and the Lion became a beloved classic in Japan, and how Veronika Marék’s gentle humor and timeless tales have touched generations. A rare chance to explore the imagination of one of Hungary’s most iconic children’s authors and her cross-cultural legacy.
Discover the magical world of Veronika Marék, Hungary’s iconic children’s author, whose stories have captured hearts across generations — and now, continents. At this special event in the Women’s Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Veronika Marék joins Yoshimi Kubo to explore the journey of Laci and the Lion — a quiet tale that became a cultural phenomenon in Japan.
Today, Laci and the Lion is more than a story: it’s a beloved symbol of courage and kindness. In Japan, Laci rivals Hello Kitty in popularity, appearing on planners, notebooks, and more. Fans line up for hours just to meet Veronika Marék, some even brought to tears by the deep emotional connection they feel to her stories.
What makes this little boy and his brave red lion so universally loved? Through personal memories and conversation, Veronika Marék and Yoshimi Kubo will reflect on the enduring power of gentle stories — and how one quiet book sparked a movement across cultures and generations, reminding us that bravery can begin with a small red lion.