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Opening ceremony at the czech republic pavilion

Nagoya - Despite the fact that over 60 thousand visitors have already entered the Czech pavilion through the body of the caterpillar, the opening ceremony took place only today. It was attended by important guests – H.E. Karel Žebrakovský, the Czech Republic’s Ambassador in Japan and H.E. Yasuyoshi Ichihashi, EXPO 2005 Vice Commissioner General. Commissioner General Vladimír Darjanin joined them in the act of cutting the symbolic tape. Over 100 official representatives of the Association for the 2005 World Exposition and the participating countries were also present, including Commissioners General, pavilion directors, etc.

Commissioner General Vladimír Darjanin remarked: "Of course that the appeal of our pavilion to regular visitors is the most important for us, nevertheless, the words of praise for our exposition from other Commissioner Generals is just as pleasant." The symbolic opening ceremony was also attended by representatives of the city of Otowa, the partnership city of the Czech Republic in the Aichi Hospitality project. Currently, Otowa is working on a programme that it will introduce to the EXPO visitors during the Czech National Day on June 24. Conversely, two accompanying projects of the Czech Republic's participation - the "Mirror of Nature" Czech visual arts exhibition and the "Week of Czech Music" series of classical concerts - are about to visit Otowa.

The Czech Republic participates in EXPO 2005, the main theme of which is "Nature's Wisdom," with an exposition based on one of the sub themes - "The Art of Life." The exposition, titled the Garden of Fantasy and Music, is conceived as a relaxation area with optical and sound installations. The participation of the Czech Republic also includes accompanying cultural events, some of which will be presented outside the EXPO site. In May, promising Czech classical musicians will perform within the "Week of Czech Music", which will take place on the exhibition site as well as in the partner city of Otowa. A Czech visual arts exhibition will take place in Otowa in May and in Tokyo in June. A unique presentation of Czech atelier glass, along with workshops and lectures, will be held in Toyama prefecture. Tokyo will also host a festival of Czech films and a presentation of a Czech environmental project. The Czech Republic wants to make use of the unique opportunity to present its rich culture also in other parts of Japan.

 

For more information please contact:

Martina Hončiková
Public Relations Manager
 
Office of the Commissioner General for the participation of the Czech Republic at the EXPO 2005 World Exposition
e-mail: m.honcikova@expo2005.cz