Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan showed the features of its Pavilion for the Dubai Expo to the media on Wednesday, marking one month before its opening in the United Arab Emirates.

Japanese minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Hiroshi Kajiyama hailed in a message online “the largest expo ever to be held in the Middle East and Africa region.”

Dubai Expo has been postponed for a year due to COVID-19. The exhibition will open on Oct. 1 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the UAE. More than 190 countries have already announced their participation.

“The Dubai Expo theme, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,’ represents the importance of partnership… where people and ideas from various backgrounds come together and connect,” Kajiyama said.

“In 2025, the Osaka Kansai Expo will be held. At the Japan Pavilion [in Dubai], we will actively communicate the attractiveness of Osaka and Kansai, the theme of the Expo, and the image of the venue.”

In addition to expressing the connection between Japan and the Middle East, the Japanese Pavilion also offers avatars for digital visitors to enjoy the interaction. While COVID-19 is forcing restrictions on international exchange, Expo Dubai will be available to visitors online. There will be a “Japan Day” in December, and some visitors will enjoy the delicacy of Japanese food in Japanese restaurants there.

“Through these efforts, Japan will maximize its appeal to the people of the world and improve its international presence,” Kajiyama said. “I would like to express my hope that the Dubai Expo will be a very successful event for both the UAE and Japan.”

With coronavirus “forcing restrictions on international exchanges, we have prepared ways to enjoy the Expo while you have to stay in Japan,” the Japanese minister said, referring to employing new ideas and encounters through events, including Japan Day in December and the opening of Japanese restaurants.

Minister Kajiyama concluded his message by expressing hope that the Dubai Expo will be “a very successful event for both the UAE and Japan and lead to the Osaka Kansai Expo in 2025.”

Japanese government representatives provided more information on the Japan Pavilion and introduced the attendants’ uniforms online. Japan Pavilion PR Ambassador, Tatsuo Kamon, a well-known singer, gave a musical performance.

Discussions also explained the restrictions on admissions and the consideration for Halal food.