Nature's Wisdom, the World's Wisdom.

(From Journal of Japanese Trade & Industry (JJTI))

Byline: Nakamura Toshio

In order to create a new interface between nature and life in the 21st century, the global community needs to invent a new way of life - one which is compatible with the natural environment at the global level. This is why Japan has decided to host EXPO 2005 with the main theme of "Nature's Wisdom." Visitors will experience "Nature's Wisdom" in the following three contexts.

Rediscovering Nature Learning more about how the Earth works is something we should do first. The 2005-inch wide screen at the Message Theater, Global House, can help us learn about the circumstances of humankind and the Earth with data on birth, population, water, breathing, walking and energy.

You will see an extinct mammoth that was recently excavated from the frozen soil of Russia - a stark reminder of the true meaning of global warming. The EXPO site itself is located in unspoiled natural surroundings, where you will feel the mystic forces of breathing trees and flowers.

An Eco-Friendly Life with Nature's Wisdom The history of humankind has been one of learning from nature's wisdom, and there are many examples of ancient wisdom which show how humankind and nature can coexist in harmony. Fused nicely with modern technologies, such traditional wisdom will grab the spotlight again: FCHV (Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicles), which will carry visitors to and from the site, produce no carbon dioxide or harmful pollutants. The tableware used in the food courts consists of earth-friendly utensils made mainly of biomass derived from plants and other recyclable organic matter. All of the electricity supplied to the Japan Pavilion will be generated through a new on-site energy system, in which even the garbage thrown away by visitors is converted into fuel.

Visiting the Future with Nature's Wisdom By fully exploiting the infinite potential of science and technology, we can travel forward in time to see the Earth-friendly communities of the future. You will see a variety of robots moving around the site; some of them will be cleaning up the site, and some of them will be playing music, some of them will be calling out to you like a friend. A convoy of three intelligent buses (IMTS) will move automatically - without any driver on board - and a smart futuristic vehicle (i-unit) for individual personal use will also be introduced to the public. The EXPO's "ubiquitous" ...