Canadians Are Invited to Support Their Country's Participation in Expo 2005
VANCOUVER, February 23, 2004 -- An enthusiastic launch was held today to help kick-start Canada's participation in the next world's fair, in Aichi, Japan, in 2005. Young Canadians from all over the country joined Ambassador Taizo Watanabe, Commissioner General of the Exposition in Japan, to discuss Canada's theme for Expo 2005, Wisdom of Diversity. The event was held at Vancouver's Science World, the site of Expo 86. Participants watched interviews of Canadians who were adolescents during Expo 67 or Expo 86, both held in Canada, who described their remarkable experiences at these events.Norman Moyer, the Commissioner General for Canada at the Aichi Exposition, took the opportunity to announce a new program to promote the active participation of Canadians in Expo 2005. Among the planned initiatives is the launch, in February 2004, of a photography contest sponsored by Toyota Canada. It will encourage photographers throughout the country to reflect on the theme of Wisdom of Diversity, and to share their vision of Canada with the people of Canada and Japan.
"Expo 2005 is an opportunity to present the Canada of today to the world," said Mr. Moyer. "By using interactive technology in the Canada Pavilion and on our Web site, Canadians will be able to showcase the diversity of our natural and cultural heritage. I invite you to participate in Expo 2005 by sharing your impressions of Canada with visitors from around the world."
Mr. Moyer also announced that the Canada Pavilion will be designed by a Canada-wide consortium made up of the Lunny Group of Vancouver, Immersion Studios of Toronto, and Lambert International of Montréal. The pavilion will take advantage of cybernetics to display images and sounds that explore the theme of Wisdom of Diversity.
"Expo 2005 is an opportunity for public and private sector businesses to make their mark in the Japanese market, and on the people of Canada and Japan," added Mr. Moyer. "I invite them to join all Canadians who are participating in this large-scale event and to present their ideas to us."
The 2005 World Exposition will take place in Aichi, Japan, from March 25 to September 25. More than 15 million visitors are expected to attend.
For further details, visit the new Web site on Canada's participation in Expo 2005 at www.expo2005canada.gc.ca
Information:
Anne-Sophie Lawless
Chief, Media Relations
Department of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-9314
BACKGROUNDER
The 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan
Nature's Wisdom
Expo 2005 is a world's fair to be held from March 25 to September 25, 2005, in the Aichi Prefecture, Japan. It is expected to attract 15 million visitors. Following Canada's example, some 125 countries from every continent have confirmed that they will participate in this event, which was approved by the member states of the International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE) at their 128th general assembly in December 2000. This will be the 27th international exposition of this type, the first being held in London in 1851. Under the theme of Nature's Wisdom, Expo 2005 seeks to bring nations together in a Grand Intercultural Symphony.
Objectives and Theme. Expo 2005 seeks to unite technology, art, and culture. Japan wants visitors to rediscover the knowledge and inspiration we can gain from nature in its great diversity. The hope is to advance the evolution of relationships between peoples, as well as the relationships between humanity and technology. Three secondary themes are suggested to participants: "Nature's Matrix," "The Art of Life," and "Development for Eco-Communities."
Site. Expo 2005 will cover an area of 173 hectares in the immediate vicinity of the cities of Seto, Nagakute, and Toyota. The site is one of Japan's three most populous urban regions, and is only a few hours away by high-speed train from Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. There will be two airports nearby: in Nagoya (20 km from the site) and another to be built 45 km away.
Set-up. Participating countries will be grouped in "Global Commons" connected by a 2.5 km walkway. Each of the six Global Commons will contain pavilions of countries from the same continent or region (Asia, Americas, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Southeast Asia). Prefabricated modules will be turned over to participants as of September 15, 2004, so that they can prepare their pavilions by February 10, 2005. After Expo 2005 closes, the site will become a municipal park.
Participants and Visitors. The official participants will consist primarily of the many countries offering national pavilions, as well as the Government of Japan and a host of businesses, local governments, and non-governmental organizations. The event could attract as many as 15 million visitors, 95 percent of them from Japan and a majority from the surrounding region.
Previous World's Fairs. The first international exposition was held in London, England, in 1851; the most recent one was in Hannover, Germany, in 2000. Expo 2005 will be the fourth such event in Japan, with previous fairs in Osaka in 1970, Okinawa in 1975, and Tsukuba in 1985. Canada has twice hosted international expositions: in Montréal in 1967, and in Vancouver in 1986. Another world's fair is confirmed for Shanghai, China, in 2010.
Canada's Participation in
The 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan
Wisdom of Diversity
On May 2, 2001, Canada became the first country to confirm that it would officially participate in Expo 2005 in Japan. The host country of two earlier outstanding fairs (Montréal in 1967 and Vancouver in 1986) that attracted more than 72 million visitors, Canada re-affirmed its commitment to universal values and its conviction that these major events help foster closer ties between peoples and lead to increased cross-cultural understanding. Among the priorities Canada has set for itself are: to advance the values of diversity and promote its importance to young Canadians.
Objectives. By participating in Expo 2005, Canada seeks to make our country better known to people in Japan and Asia, highlighting our diversity, our creativity, and our talent for innovation. In addition, this initiative will reinforce our already very strong diplomatic, commercial, and cultural ties with Japan. Lastly, Canadians will be able to participate in the event with the help of modern technology and a program of special events to be organized in Canada.
Theme. Canada's participation in Expo 2005 will be guided by the theme of Wisdom of Diversity. Within this context, we will focus on: the "Geosphere," or Canada's earth, water, and climate, which develop our scenery and shape our imagination; the "Biosphere," or the living creatures (micro-organisms, plants, animals, and humans) inhabiting this landscape; and the "Ethnosphere," in which cultural diversity flourishes, and where the spotlight is on human-to-human and human-to-nature relations.
Participation of Canadians. Expo 67 in Montréal and Expo 86 in Vancouver each had an extraordinary impact on the younger generation. Similarly, Canada intends to make young people a priority at Expo 2005. Among the planned activities is a photography contest sponsored by Toyota Canada Inc., to be launched in February 2004. It will encourage photographers throughout the country to reflect on Canada's theme of Wisdom of Diversity, and to share their vision of Canada with the people of our country and of Japan. One winner will be chosen from each province and territory; the prize offered by Toyota Canada Inc. is a trip to Expo 2005. Another project will offer Canadians and people of the entire world the opportunity to pay a virtual visit to the Canada Pavilion. Visitors to the pavilion will also be able to communicate in real time with Canadians here at home and to initiate a dialogue about the exhibition. There is no shortage of ideas, and Canada has specifically taken up the challenge of offering young Canadians the tools, both electronic and otherwise, so they can fully benefit from Expo 2005.
The Canada Pavilion. The Canada Pavilion will be designed by a Canada-wide consortium made up of the Lunny Group of Vancouver, Immersion Studios of Toronto, and Lambert International of Montréal. The pavilion will offer a unique visual, sound, and cybernetic tour exploring the theme of Wisdom of Diversity. The pavilion's exhibition area for the general public will cover some 1000 square metres and could accommodate from 8000 to 16 000 visitors per day. Further, Canadians will be able to make a virtual visit to the pavilion via the Internet.
Program of Activities. Canada's participation will include a wide-ranging program of activities in both Japan and Canada, to increase the benefits and particularly the number of participants. Plans call for cultural activities (shows, artist tours), official visits, and promotional events. These will help the people, businesses, and institutions of Canada and Japan to fully enjoy the benefits of Expo 2005. Among other tools, we will put interactivity to work. Programs at the Canada Pavilion will rely heavily on use of the Internet, and plans are to make use of Canadians' talent for innovation and their creativity to convey the messages that matter to Canada.
Canada and Japan:
Pacific Partners
Despite the distance separating them, Canada and Japan have maintained close cultural, social, diplomatic, and economic ties. The year 2004 marks the 75th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations between our two countries, and the 100th anniversary of the presence of Canadian trade commissioners in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Japan is Canada's second most important trading partner, behind the United States. Trade between the two countries was worth $25 billion in 2002. Canadian exports to Japan include forestry products, minerals, meat, fish, and grains; imports from Japan are mainly machinery and vehicles. With a population of 127 million, Japan remains the world's second-biggest economic power. It is a promising market for Canadian businesses, especially in emerging sectors where the Japanese market is increasingly open.
But links between the two countries go beyond economics. Canadians and Japanese are curious about each other. Across the Pacific, they have developed and still maintain mutually beneficial relations with ancient roots. As early as 1877, Canada welcomed immigrants of Japanese origin; today there are around 85 000 Japanese Canadians, most of them living in the Vancouver and Toronto areas. At the same time, it is estimated that some 10 000 Canadians live and work in Japan, often as teachers. And there are approximately 12 000 Japanese students in Canada, the second most numerous student group from an Asian country.
As a result of the mutual interest of these two communities who have so much in common, more than 70 Canadian towns are twinned with Japanese cities. For Canada, Japan already ranks third as a source of tourists from abroad; around half a million Japanese visit our country each year. Japanese are fascinated especially by Canada's natural scenery, such as the Rockies and Niagara Falls, but they also appreciate Canadians' courtesy and friendliness.
Canada and Japan are cultural mosaics who are increasingly aware of the riches of diversity. It is no surprise, then, that the two countries are cooperating closely and very actively within various multilateral and bilateral institutions, and through some 40 consultation mechanisms. Since 1999, they have worked together to implement an action program for cooperation on peace and security. And members of Japan's peacekeeping forces serve under Canadian officers. This commitment to achieving progress for humanity is not limited to government. For example, Canadian and Japanese non-governmental organizations cooperate on peacebuilding projects in Cambodia, Indonesia, and Guatemala.
Canada and World's Fairs
The first international exposition was held in 1851 in London, England. Canada has participated in practically every one since then, including the famous Paris Exposition of 1889, for which the Eiffel Tower was built. Canada has, therefore, a long tradition of openness to the world, and this will carry on in 2005 with its participation in Expo 2005. In the past, the spotlight was on furs, birchbark canoes, and agricultural products; nowadays, Canada is recognized for its emphasis on human values, cultural diversity, the environment, technology, and innovation.
For most Canadians, international expositions became a reality in 1967 with the Montréal World's Fair, the first to be held in Canada. Expo 67 made a deep imprint on the imagination of our country at a time when Canada was celebrating the centenary of its Constitution. Some 62 countries were represented in Montréal, and the fair drew more than 50.3 million visitors. Not only did Canada open up to the world as never before, but for Canadians it was the opening of an extraordinary window on "Man and His World."
Three years later, Osaka hosted Japan's first international exposition. Canada was an enthusiastic participant, along with 76 other countries. More than 64 million visitors came to the Osaka fair, the theme of which was "Progress and Harmony for Mankind." Some 25 million people visited the Canada Pavilion.
In 1986, Canada again hosted the international community, this time in the enchanting West Coast setting of Vancouver. The exposition focussed on transportation and communications. Expo 86 attracted 52 countries and 22 million visitors, almost a quarter of whom visited the Canada Pavilion.
In 1992, the international exhibition in Seville, Spain, had the theme of "The Age of Discovery." With 111 participating countries and close to 44 million visitors, Seville was a great success. The theme for the Canada Pavilion was "Discover Canada, Discover a New World," and it drew nearly 2 million visitors.
The most recent world's fair was held in 2000 in Hannover, Germany, with the theme of "Humankind, Nature, Technology." Taking part were 155 countries and, of course, Canada was there. More than 18 million visitors explored the site, and 2.8 million came to the Canada Pavilion.
Lunny Lambert Immersion:
Canada's Finest Talents
Lunny International of Vancouver, Lambert International of Montréal, and Immersion Studios of Toronto have joined together to create a consortium that melds Canada's finest talents in the field of interactive, themed communications. Its mission: to design and build the Canada Pavilion at Expo 2005, to make it a magnet for visitors, and to make use of modern technology that enables Canadians to participate virtually in the world's fair.
Lunny International has more than 20 years of experience in developing interactive and themed environments. The Vancouver firm offers a complete range of high-level services, and has all the skills required to develop and produce the components that will make up the Canada Pavilion. Its interactivity experts are familiar with all audiovisual and Web technologies. Lunny International has an impressive track record that includes the Humankind and Energy pavilions at the 2000 Hannover exposition, the Olympic pavilion at Expo 98 in Lisbon, as well as projects for the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, the H.R. MacMillan Pacific Space Centre, the Alaska SeaLife Center, and the Philadelphia Zoo.
Lambert International of Montréal is a pioneer in the multimedia sector with a reputation for creating remarkable productions. Lambert was responsible for developing the Canada Pavilion at Expo 67 in Montréal, and since then it has continued to distinguish itself while remaining on the cutting edge of technology. The firm designed and created the Canada Pavilion at the 2000 Hannover exhibition. This pavilion featured a multimedia show that included a three-dimensional virtual/natural setting, which combined some 500 screens, 50 projectors, and 45 video clips to produce an interactive, multi-sensory environment. In addition, Lambert International designed most of the audiovisual content for the Canada pavilion at Expo 98 in Lisbon.
Immersion Studios of Toronto is a world leader in the field of interactive film and has become known as a visionary firm within just a few years. Its team specializes in design, production, and implementation of high-quality interactive applications and experiences, for purposes of entertainment, information, or education. Serving an international clientele, Immersion Studios has developed its own software, and its productions are notable for their dynamism and user-friendliness. For Expo 2005, Immersion Studios will be responsible for developing and ensuring the smooth functioning of the Expo 2005 Canada Interactive Network, in collaboration with CANARIE, the National Research Council, and the Communications Research Centre. This state-of-the-art broadband network will link participating educational institutions in a unique interactive environment.
www.lunny.com / www.lambertinternational.com / www.imm-studios.com
Taizo Watanabe
Ambassador, Commissioner General of The 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan
Biographical Notes
Taizo Watanabe's distinguished diplomatic career began in 1956 when he entered Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Until 1997, he served in various positions for the Ministry, including Counsellor at the Embassy of Japan in the United States; Minister, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan, Thailand; Consul-General of Japan in Los Angeles, United States; Minister Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan, United States; and Ambassador, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Arab Republic of Egypt and to the Republic of Indonesia.
Following his retirement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he became an Advisor to All Nippon Airways Co. Ltd. and then Special Advisor to His Imperial Highness Prince Hitachi and professor at the Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo.
Mr. Watanabe is a graduate from the Faculty of Law of Tokyo University. He also earned a Master of Arts in International Relations from Yale University.
He is Vice-President of the Japan Association of Athletic Federations and a Council Member of the International Association of Athletic Federations. In 2002, he was appointed Commissioner General of The 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan.
Mr. Watanabe has received various honours throughout his career, including the International Citizenship Award from the Japan American Society of Southern California (1995); the Order of Merit of the First Degree from the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt (1995); and the Bintan Jasa Utama (The Order of Merit of the First Degree) from the Government of the Republic of Indonesia (1998).
Norman Moyer
Commissioner General for Canada at The 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan
Biographical Notes
On August 15, 2003, Norman Moyer was appointed Commissioner General for Canada for The 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan. Mr. Moyer has been Assistant Deputy Minister at the Department of Canadian Heritage since 1996. He first held this position in the Canadian Identity Sector and, more recently, in the Public Affairs and Communications Sector. As such, he has been responsible for ensuring an integrated approach to how the Department communicates with Canadians, how it shares their stories, and how it promotes their cultural diversity nationally and internationally. His responsibilities include Canada's participation at international expositions.
During his public service career, Mr. Moyer has occupied, among others, the post of Assistant Deputy Minister to the Treasury Board Secretariat and to the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, where he was responsible for the Corporate Policy and Communications Sector. Some of his major achievements at the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources include raising the profile of the Department's science and technology activities within the policy-making process, and supporting the work of the Task Force on Regulatory Review. From 1988 to 1990, Mr. Moyer held the position of Vice-President of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency where he supported the passage of the Agency's enabling legislation and led efforts to place more focus on entrepreneurship.
Mr. Moyer's public service career began in 1969 when he joined the Foreign Service of the Department of External Affairs. He later became Senior Analyst at the Treasury Board Secretariat where he developed strategies and participated in task forces on the organization of government services.
Mr. Moyer's vast experience in both the private and public sectors has provided him with a unique understanding of Canada and Canadians, which will serve him well in promoting Canada's continued success at international expositions. His demonstrated capacity to develop consensus amongst stakeholders from various interest groups, along with his strong negotiating skills, will help ensure Canada's success at The 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan.
Mr. Moyer graduated from Trent University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts. He continued his studies at the University of Western Ontario, where he obtained an MBA degree in 1969. He is married with two children.
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