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EXPO 2005 Aichi, Japan Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony for EXPO 2005 Aichi, Japan, the first World Exposition of the 21st century, was held on March 24 at EXPO Dome in the Nagakute Area. About 2,400 people participated in the opening ceremony. Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress and His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince (Honorary President of EXPO 2005) as well as Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (Honorary Chairman of EXPO 2005) attended the ceremony.

EXPO 2005 official mascots Morizo and Kiccoro as well as children dressed up as butterflies, bees and other insects greeted participants from a stage-setting of rape blossoms. Yutaka Sado, who is active around the world, conducted the EXPO Super World Orchestra composed of top performers from 15 nations and provided an enchanting musical backdrop throughout the three-part opening ceremony.

Part one was the ceremony section. The sound of the ancient Dotaku bell, which is said to summon the gods in Japan, resounded throughout the venue. Toshio Nakamura, Secretary-General of the Japan Association for the 2005 World Exposition, then declared the opening of EXPO 2005 Aichi, Japan. This was followed by the singing of the Japanese national anthem by internationally acclaimed soprano Shinobu Sato, the raising of the Japanese flag, the International Exhibitions Bureau flag (symbolizing world peace) and the EXPO 2005, Aichi, Japan flag. With the EXPO 2005 theme song "I'll Be Your Love" in the background, the raising of the flags was followed by the entrance of the flags of the 121 participating countries and 4 international organizations.

The ceremony portion began with an opening address by Shoichiro Toyoda, Chairman of the Japan Association for the 2005 World Exposition. It was followed by speeches and welcome addresses by Masaaki Kanda, Governor of Aichi Prefecture; Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister of Japan; and Jianmin Wu, President of Bureau International des Expositions (BIE; International Exhibitions Bureau), and was concluded by a speech from His Majesty the Emperor. In his address, the Emperor said, "It is my sincere hope that this World Exposition will provide visitors from around the world with an excellent opportunity to deepen their understanding of the interactions between human beings and nature, inspiring them to work together to preserve the global environment in good condition."

Next, heralded by a trumpet played by a robot, 14 robots of three types that were introduced as "Humankind's New Friends" exhibited their free and graceful movement on stage providing a glimpse into the cutting-edge technology that will be shown at EXPO 2005.

At the climax of the ceremony section, His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince turned on a switch which triggered a music box set within a model of the Earth made of recycled glass to begin playing. The glass "Earth" then emitted bright lights and 100,000 leaves flowed down upon the event venue.

Part one was concluded by the singing of "Share the World," a song written to convey the message of EXPO 2005. The beautiful voices of boys and girls choirs accompanied by sign language and the sound of the saxophone performed by Sadao Watanabe, a world-famous Japanese jazz musician, Director-General of the Japan Pavilion Projects and composer of "Share the World," filled the venue.


		Part two was the "EXPO 2005 Symphony" which featured the performances of musical pieces that symbolized mutual understanding and sympathy of the people of the world. It began with a performance of "Juiter" from Gustav Holst's "Planet" Suite by the EXPO Super World Orchestra. The second piece was Frederic Chopin's "Nocturne" (posthumous) by pianist Ingrid Fujiko Hemming. The third piece, from Igor Stravinsky's "The Firebird," featured an orchestral performance as well as ballet and enthralled the participants of the opening ceremony. Part three was a special program entitled "Welcome to EXPO 2005 Aichi, Japan." It began with a gallant performance of Gojinjo Japanese drums in prayer of world peace and environmental protection. An original Kyogen (ancient traditional comical theatrical art) act was performed to appeal the importance of environmental conservation. Its theme was the single kernel of corn that had been passed out to all participants in the "Nature's Wisdom bag." "Children of the future" then suddenly appeared from above. They made an appeal for people to rise and work towards the future of the world. This and other various performances in Part three transmitted the message of EXPO 2005 to the world. The message from Wangari Maathai, involved in environmental conservation and the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, also struck the hearts of those present. Toshio Nakamura, Secretary-General of the Japan Association for the 2005 World Exposition, gave the closing address. He said, "We tried to express Nature's Wisdom, the theme of this World Exposition, in various ways in our opening ceremony. Did you like it?" These words were met by hearty applause from participants. EXPO 2005 Aichi, Japan has now finally commenced!