An artist's conception of the site unveiled by the Japan Association for the 2005 World Exposition on July 23, 2001

The underlying themes and principles of EXPO 2005 AICHI have now been formally presented in a "basic framework" announced in July this year. This document spells out three objectives of the international exposition. They are (1) to create and exhibit a grand design for culture and civilization that can provide a cutting-edge societal model for the twenty-first century; (2) to send a message from Japan to the world about new lifestyle ideas, introducing directions for resolving the global environmental, natural resource, and other problems we now face; and (3) to send a message from present to future generations about how to construct eco-communities and realize mechanisms allowing coexistence with nature. The exposition's overall theme, which binds all of these objectives together, is Nature's Wisdom. The aim is to come up with a wonderful model for twenty-first century society constructed by following "ÔNature's Wisdom' (nature's magnificent mechanism)."

The development of this overall theme will be underpinned by three sub-themes: Nature's Matrix, the Art of Life, and Development for Eco-communities.

Nature's Matrix will use the most leading-edge science to examine how nature works and to offer guidelines for solutions to global concerns over such things as global warming, energy, the environment, and water and food supplies. The second sub-theme, the Art of Life, will utilize nature to create a world where life is meaningful, pleasant, and delightful, and also to present new possibilities for living full, active lives in the twenty-first century. And the third sub-theme, Development for Eco-communities, will endeavor to construct an eco-community by introducing new types of energy and putting into effect the "three Rs" (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and other technologies.

The recently announced framework goes on to place emphasis on subjects to address in planning and developing EXPO 2005 AICHI in line with these themes.

The first is to make an approach to undiscovered nature, including both life and the universe. Through presentations of leading-edge technologies in the life, space, and natural sciences, and also nano-technology, visitors will have the opportunity to experience "Nature's Wisdom" and truly feel its grandeur. This will be the basis for a serious new look at the importance of the coexistence of humans and nature. Specific ideas suggested include virtual space life experiences, space cafeterias, and bio-computers.

The second is to make thoroughly practical applications of information technology (IT) and demonstrations of new experiments. This entails taking full advantage of the Internet, wireless communications technology, and visual communications technology in site operations, exhibits, events, and traffic access to the exposition, including experimental use of the latest technologies. Specific ideas suggested include virtual pavilions and outdoor video screens displaying real-time images of space and the world.

The third is to highlight the joy of living together with nature. From the viewpoint of the origin of humans as one part of nature, harmony with nature, which brings contentment and affluence in various areas, such as food, clothing, shelter, culture, and our living environment, will be advocated. Specific ideas suggested include food, clothing, and shelter in harmony with nature; interpretations of nature through "hands-on" experiences; and symbiotic housing.

The fourth is to create a model of aged society that will be both attractive and enjoyable. This is a matter of designing a model society in which senior citizens can lead an enjoyable and meaningful life by drawing on the experiences of other countries and giving full consideration to matters ranging from lifestyle support through to special-purpose facilities. Specific ideas suggested include senior genki [health and vitality] contests, golden and silver wedding anniversary ceremonies at the EXPO site, and EXPO alumni association.

The fifth is to achieve dialogue between the cultures and civilizations of the world including Asian countries to the greatest extent. The key here is to make every effort to ensure the involvement of Asian countries and encourage the participation of as many countries and international organizations as possible, as well as to facilitate vigorous exchange among cultures and civilizations. Specific ideas suggested include exchange of and among the world's traditional performing arts, festivals, street performances, food cultures, way of life, and nonprofit organizations (NPOs); international street performance competition; and virtual eco-tourism.

The sixth is to create a low-environmental-impact society and models for eco-communities that place minimal burdens on the environment. Specific activities include practicing the three Rs system, achieving zero emission on the EXPO 2005 site, and presenting the challenge of the latest new energy systems for dealing with global environmental problems. Specific ideas suggested include solar batteries, wind-powered electricity generators, and other clean sources of energy; carbon fixation and usage technology; and publication of the global citizen handbook.

In the pursuit of all these objectives, great importance will be given to encouraging widespread citizen participation in a variety of formats, utilizing the developmental and technological ability of the Chubu region (central Japan), constructing networks for wide-area cooperation, and making EXPO 2005 an enjoyable and interesting experience. Detailed plans for the exposition site are currently being drawn up. These will work with the natural topography of the site and pay careful attention to the environment, ensuring that the exposition lives up to the theme of Nature's Wisdom.