From March 15 to July 13, 2025, the Little World Museum of Man and Culture, located in Aichi Prefecture, will present the "Tsukuru, Tsukaou, Tsunagaru Exhibition," celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Aichi Expo, also known as the "Love the Earth Expo." This exhibition serves as part of the series of events commemorated under the banner of the "Love the Earth Expo 20th Anniversary" project, featuring valuable materials from the original 2005 Aichi Expo.
The Little World Museum, led by Director Kohei Ikai, engages with the "Global Grand Exchange and Future Co-Creation Project" to promote forums and events associated with this commemoration. The exhibition will be hosted on the first floor of the main building and will center on 25 important items, among which ten were originally displayed at various pavilions during the expo.
One of the key objectives of this exhibition is to reflect on the coexistence of nature and humanity. The artifacts displayed—collected after the original expo at the insistence of Tetsuya Imamura, who was the president of the Central Anthropological Society at the time—represent cultural traditions and will inspire discussions about sustainable coexistence.
Among the highlights is the performance by Peru's "La Misk," which is scheduled for several days starting from March 29 through April 6, and again on April 12, 13, 19, and 20, 2025. These performances will take place at the Peru Grand Farmhouse Chief's House, focusing on the vibrant cultural heritage of Latin America.
Further enhancing the cultural offerings, Timor-Leste's artist Ego Lemos will host a talk and live show on March 30, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Lemos, known for his advocacy of environmental issues and folk music, will share reflections on hope and richness from humble origins through performance and storytelling.
The "Love the Earth Expo 20th Anniversary" itself runs from March 25 through September 25, 2025, encouraging visitors to rediscover Aichi's multitude of attractions. This project is built upon the ideals of the original Expo, promoting exchanges among various cultures and re-evaluations of the expo’s themes of wisdom of nature and multicultural coexistence.
The museum aims to provide not just exhibitions but also forums and cultural events during this period where visitors can reflect on the significance and outcomes of the expo, especially as newer generations increasingly disconnect from the memories of the 2005 event.
Interestingly, discussions around hygienic travel experiences at expos have recently grown. Many visitors express excitement about sampling global cuisines at the upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo, happening concurrently. The excitement is especially palpable among those with sensitive stomachs, who appreciate the cleanliness standards reflected at Japan-based events.
Comments from attendees point to the unique opportunity the Osaka-Kansai Expo presents, offering dishes from Italy, Germany, Northern Europe, Kuwait, Australia, Switzerland, Netherlands, and Portugal. With international cuisine available without the concerns related to traveling abroad, many are eager to explore these culinary delights.
One enthusiastic visitor explained the immense value of enjoying authentic local dishes from various countries within the safe confines of Japan, noting previous concerns about food safety when traveling to different nations.
Events like this underline the increasing importance of maintaining high hygiene levels as more global expos are anticipated. Going back to the Aichi Expo, nostalgic visitors recall mixing cultural explorations with culinary experiences, which made their visit unforgettable.
Overall, both the Tsukuru, Tsukaou, Tsunagaru Exhibition and the Osaka-Kansai Expo exemplify how modern exhibitions can blend cultural displays with immersive experiences. These events encourage not only participation but also reflection on rich histories and highlight the ways diverse cultures can connect through shared environments.
Such exhibitions provide invaluable platforms for cultural exchange, giving rise to shared insights about coexistence and collaboration among nations, necessary for tackling global challenges today.
With the Little World Museum rolling out its enticing plans coinciding with the larger narrative of the world expo, it signifies not just local, but global engagement from the Aichi region, promising all attendees memorable interactions—I for one, can’t wait!
