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NIPPONIA No.31 December 15, 2004

Special Feature*

Aichi: A Global Communication Hub

Global warming, diminishing energy resources, overpopulation—perhaps the solution to these and other problems lies in the people of the world getting together to share their knowledge. One place where this can happen is Aichi, Japan, at Expo 2005. More than 120 countries and international organizations will participate, and this will be the first time in the history of world fairs that non-profit and non-governmental organizations will also be present.

Written by Torikai Shin-ichi, Photos by Kono Toshihiko
Other photo credits: Embassies of Switzerland, New Zealand and Nepal; Japan Association for the 2005 World Exposition

Bringing people from around the world together

NGO Global Village

Left: Goto Hisanori is in charge of organizing the NGO Global Village. Here he is with the two Expo mascots, Morizo and Kiccoro.
Right: Conceptual drawing of the NGO Global Village when it will be ready for visitors.

One of the distinctive features of Expo 2005 is citizen participation—combining knowledge and various strengths to discover how to live in harmony with the natural world. The action takes place at the Citizens' Pavilion in the Seto Area and the NGO Global Village in the Nagakute Area.

"At the NGO Global Village," explains spokesman Goto Hisanori, "non-profit and non-governmental organizations (NPOs and NGOs) based in Japan and abroad will suggest that people ask themselves the question, 'Can I do something to help? If so, what exactly can I do? And how can I use the things I need from nature without damaging it?'"

For example, an association of traditional artisans in Japan has teamed up with a Korean NGO that preserves traditional crafts, to explore sustainable ways to use the gifts of nature in their work. NGOs from different countries, all promoting renewable energy, have joined together to show the potential of green types of energy. The organizations are asking for suggestions for a total of 30 projects, and are keen to debate the issues.

Keeping the momentum going even after the Expo

Civic Projects

Civic Project organizer Kawata Sunaho says, "Members always show a lot of enthusiasm at our meetings. This proves that people-power has a force of its own."

Individuals are also participating on their own, in civic projects.

The natural environment, peace, human rights—these are just some of the global issues needing our attention. Individual people are being invited to come to the Expo and be part of the solution by doing what they can and want to do. Many individuals have said they want to do their part, and 195 projects have been agreed upon so far. Project themes are tremendously varied, as are the messages, which will be presented through lectures, exhibits, workshops and more.

Kawata Sunaho from the Civic Project office says, "We hope that many of the projects will keep running even after the Expo winds down."

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