Events
Sunday, November 07, 2004
The 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan
03/25/2005-09/25/2005
Japan
http://www.expo2005.or.jp
The 20th century saw the formation of a new global society. The remarkable progress made in science and technology, the development of high-speed methods of transportation, and the evolution of information and communications technologies have all accelerated the global interchange of people, goods, and information to an unbelievable extent. The world has been truly transformed.
Human beings’ seemingly insatiable desire for expansion, the source of this transformation, continues unabated. This has placed a tremendous burden on the natural environment, exceeding its capacity for self-recovery. The result is that we must now deal with a number of potential world crises.
The time has come for the people who make up the global society of the 21st century to work together in the pursuit of a sustainable and harmonious coexistence for all life on Earth. Paramount to this is a global perspective.
EXPO 2005 Aichi, Japan, is the perspective we need.
The inspiration for EXPO 2005 is the marvelous mechanism of nature and the power of life. Learning from the world’s vast collection of wisdom and methods of interaction with nature found around the globe, we hope to bring the world together for the creation of a global society allowing the multitude of cultures and civilizations to coexist together.
Theme and Sub Themes
Theme : NATURE’S WISDOM
This is not a theme that we have chosen lightly. Lacking vast open spaces and abundant mineral resources, Japan has achieved its current economic development and prosperity through the diligence and ingenuity of its people. Yet in the process we have inadvertently sacrificed our human values on the altar of economic efficiency.
Only recently have we realized the enormity of our loss. Though pleased with our industrial growth and economic development, we realize that this was not the sum of our aspirations. We realize that we had hoped to fuse Asia’s traditional wisdom with modern science and technology to create a better world where humankind and nature can co-exist in harmony.
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In order to promote wide-ranging participation from around the world and to develop the theme of the Exhibition, it will be divided into several sub-themes, as follows.
1. Nature’s Matrix
To show directions for mankind in the 21st century, a new model for civilization in the space age is explored based on the latest achievements of space technology and the history of the Earth. New ways for resolving population and environmental problems are sought through cutting-edge experiments using bio and information technologies.
For example, exhibits may include real-time broadcasting from a space station, reproduction of extinct species by virtual reality techniques and new types of intercultural communications by means of new information technology.
2. The Art of Life
Directions for new ways of life in which 21st Century humankind lives actively are proposed. The issues of aging society and the creativity of children are addressed. Through fine arts, performing arts and daily customs from around the world, various exchanges between people and nature are developed and ways to let the richness of nature and the force of life shine much are to be proposed.
For example, exhibits may include presentations of regional arts and customs associated with nature and life, introduction of lifestyles harmonized with nature, and presentation of a model society where the elderly live vibrantly and social and technical support provided therefor.
3. Development for Eco-Communities
To demonstrate a model recycling society in the 21st century, new energy and new recycling technology are utilized. Ideal lifestyles and urban infrastructures are sought in which resources are used efficiently. The ideal balance between social development and environment is pursued and the restoration of environments is attempted.
For example, the exhibition site may be made from materials which consist of recycled PET bottles and timber with less impact on the environment. Exhibits may present new technologies in environmental industries, introduce examples of lifestyles and eco-community experiences in different parts of the world. Restoration of the eco-system around the site may also be attempted.