East Asian Seminar, Dept. Japanology B.A. Japanese Culture, Past and Present S: Resistance in Japan (Prof. Dr. Stephan Köhn)
Thomas N. Schneider 30.11.2021
(Japan World) Expo’70 Nihon bankoku hakuran-kai 日本万国博覧会 (Mar 15 – Sep 13, 1970) Definition of “world’s fair” or “universal exposition”: “international exhibition of a wide variety of industrial, scientific and cultural items on display for a period of time … often have an entertainment zone … governed and regulated by the Bureau International des Expositions (B.I.E.), a Paris-based organization est. 1928…” (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
1st Grand Exhibition: 1851 “Crystal Palace” in Hyde Park, London. 1st participation of Tokugawa Shogunate & Satsuma domain at 2nd Universal Exhibition 1867 in Paris Participation of Meiji government 1873 in Vienna, national exhibitions, 1937 Nagoya Peace Exhibition Ascension to Bureau International des Expositions (B.I.E.) 1965 with request to host 1st expo in Asia in 1970 Statistics: Expo ’70 in 大阪府 吹田市 の 千里丘陵 (Senri Hills, Suita City, Osaka, Japan)
(Reference: https://www.expo70-park.jp/languages/english/expo70/)
Historic context: student revolts (1968-69) to counter rising tuition charges/ Vietnam war/ Anpo renewal (June 23), JAL 351 hijacking (March 31), (suicide of Yukio Mishima, Nov 25, 1970) Main Theme: jinrui no shinpo to chôwa 人類の進歩と調和 „Progress and Harmony for Mankind“ Four Subthemes: -
Have richer life and achieve better health Utilize nature in more prosperous ways Design a better everyday life Mutually understand each other more deeply
Emblem: sakura 桜 (red, green or blue)
Keywords: Multimedia, Information Society, matsuri 祭 (festival) Symbolism, Metabolism, Constructivism (architecture, city planning) Nihon Mirai Gakkai 日本未来学会: Guiding Wish (Sep 15, 1965): 1.
2. 3.
Not simply a "trade show" to feature Japanese products and economic progress. Have clearly articulated themes and serve as a site for exchange of knowledge & information – incl. on complex global problems, e.g.: pollution; material scarcity and distribution; genetic erosion and diversity. Do not miss importance as 1st Asian world exposition. Emphasize participation of Asian & African countries. Moulding of the expo must not be carried out by conservative bureaucrats. Give cutting-edge artists and architects free rein to realize innovative visions.