| |
The 2005 World Expo in Aichi, Japan, which is the first world expo of the 21st century, just began on March 25. With the theme of “Nature’s Wisdom,” the exposition will be held through September 25 in the Nagoya Eastern Hills, approximately 120 miles west of Tokyo. As many as 121 countries and 4 international organizations are participating in this event, and during its 185-day run, more than ten million people are expected to visit.
About 2,400 people attended the opening ceremony, including Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan, His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince of Japan, who serves as an Honorary President of the exposition, Prime Minister Koizumi, Ms. Wangari Maathai, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and government representatives of participating countries.
In his speech at the ceremony, Prime Minister Koizumi stated that the 2005 World Expo in Aichi also serves as an opportunity for people from all around the world to gather together and think about the relationships between human beings and nature, and that science and technology are key factors in order to achieve both environmental protection and economic development. The Prime Minister expressed his sincere hope that the 2005 World Expo in Aichi will mark the starting point for humankind to think about our coexistence with nature into the future.
The Embassy of Japan will continue to send useful information about the 2005 World Expo, so please stay tuned. The mascots of 2005 World Expo, Morizo and Kiccoro (http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/images/morizokikkoro.gif), green creatures who represent forests and trees, will appear at some events during the cherry blossom festival in DC, including at the parade.
[Related links]
* 2005 World Expo brochure
* World Expo (MOFA official website)
|
