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NIPPONIA No.31 December 15, 2004

Special Feature*

Unique countries, unique pavilions

Visiting the pavilions of participating countries is one of the highlights of any trip to an Expo. Their exhibits, each one different from the others, give us an inside view of places we might otherwise know little about.

More than 120 countries and international organizations will participate in Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan. The countries' pavilions are being constructed in six "Global Commons," for Asia (not including Southeast Asia), the Americas, Europe (two commons), Africa, and Oceania & Southeast Asia. These pages show just a few of the pavilions.

New Zealand Pavilion (Global Common 6)

New Zealand's people have diverse backgrounds and have a harmonious relationship with the country's rich natural environment. Visitors will experience this through the latest imaging technology. Images and information on the country can be accessed through mobile phones.

Swiss Pavilion(Global Common 4)

The pavilion theme is "The Mountain," celebrating Switzerland's famous peaks. You can explore them during a 15-minute tour. Inside the pavilion are replica mountains 9 meters high, designed by computer graphics and made from parchment. The temperature and humidity will simulate conditions in the Swiss highlands.

Nepal Pavilion(Global Common 1)

The pavilion theme, "Mandala," presents the worldview of Buddhism—a wisdom found in the search for harmony with all things. You will see a temple constructed by 200 artisans. Events related to Buddha and Buddhism will be held.

Hope for a Better World Through Expo 2005

Norman Moyer, Commissioner General for Canada at the 2005 World Exposition, in Aichi, Japan

Above: Conceptual drawing of the exterior of Canada Pavilion in Global Common. Canada and Japan competed for the privilege of holding the 2005 exposition right up to decision day. When Japan's Aichi Prefecture won, the Canadian government immediately expressed its congratulations and announced its participation.

Canada has a diversity of people, languages, cultures and nature, and in our country we appreciate these diversities. The theme of our pavilion is "Wisdom of Diversity," and we hope visitors will gain a greater awareness of the fine ideals behind this theme.

At the Canada Pavilion you will be greeted by the Northern Lights brightening the night sky. Next, you will see the life of the Inuit, the native people of the north whose wisdom made it possible for them to live in the natural world.

Eight museums in Canada will be linked continually to computer terminals in the pavilion, to create a Cyber Salon for real-time interaction. In this way you will be able to experience Canada's advanced technology.

Canada has participated in every World Exposition since the first one, in 1851. Before each Expo, schools in Canada have lessons on the host country. So this time, they are learning about Japan. And we hope that Japanese children will develop a greater interest in Canada through their visit to our pavilion.

There are many unfortunate things happening in the world, especially terrorism, hunger and disease. It is our sincere hope that Expo 2005 will provide opportunities for our planet to become a better place for all to live.

NIPPONIA