Aichi Expo 2005 celebrates its 10th anniversary

On Saturday, the 28th March, a commemorative ceremony for the 10th anniversary of Aichi Expo 2005 was held in the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium of Nagoya City. 1500 officials and former Expo 2005 staff were present at the official ceremony. 3500 people attended the cultural events organised on this occasion by GISPRI, the foundation set up following the Expo.

Mr. Shoichiro Toyoda, Honorary Chairman of Japan Association for the 2005 World Exposition, opened the speeches at the official ceremony by referring to the Expo as a cornerstone for peace and development in the world. Mr. Toshio Nakamura, former Secretary General of Japan Association for the 2005 World Exposition, stressed that the Aichi Expo 2005 philosophy is still alive today and that there is a movement that continues to disseminates its messages. He announced that the planning documents and videos related to Aichi Expo 2005 would be digitalised and kept at the National Diet Library.

The Secretary General of the BIE, Mr. Vicente G. Loscertales, pointed out that Expo 2005 is of vital importance to the World Exhibition movement and to humanity. He thanked all of those present, "the Government of Japan and GISPRI for continuing to ensure that its unique legacy is echoed throughout the world for generations to come".

As part of the cultural performances, the Japanese singers Ryoko Moriyama and Natsukawa Rimi interpreted once more the songs that had been performed at the Aichi 2005 opening ceremony. The Aichi Expo mascots Morizo (Forest Grand Father) and Kiccoro (Forest Child) made a moving appearance on stage and with their friends re-enacted the Expo parade.

Exhibition panels looking back over the 10-year history since the Expo, workshops using natural materials, stands with food from all over the world and civil society booths had been set up for the numerous reminiscing public.

The organisers not only celebrated the success and achievements of Expo 2005 but made the connection with the upcoming Expo Milan 2015 "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life" by offering a preview of the contents of the Japan Pavilion at the Expo.

Aichi Expo was held on the theme "Nature's Wisdom" in the Aichi Prefecture, Japan, from the 25th March to the 25th September 2005. The Expo received 22 million visitors. It showcased progress through technological innovations, saw the direct involvement of civil society in the exhibition and left behind an outstanding intangible legacy raising awareness about sustainable development (learn more)

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