Well, it finally started: the Aichi World Expo 2005. It promises to usher in the next wave of technology (Robots), showcase the best the world’s got to offer, and is being held in the economic power of Asia’s fastest-growing city. Thanks to major sponsors, Toyota, for both holding the Expo and building the Nagoya International Airport to support it. Japan’s Yokoso! tourist PR campaign led up to the event, with even Koizumi appearing in commercials welcoming visitors to experience the country of ancient culture and futuristic technology, or whatever he said. Some visitors to Japan will be able to get their hands on special PDAs that will allow them to make phone calls and get pertinent information. Not everyone agrees that Japan is the best tourist destination, though, citing not only language difficulties but more basic tourism problems — Japan’s stores don’t accept foreign credit cards, and there is no reliable hotel information for most destinations.
Despite all the fuss about walking robots, the most popular attraction at the expo is likely to be Totoro’s house, a life-size recreation of the lovable creature’s home in the classic movie, My Neighbor Totoro. For all the hype about this being a World Expo, it’s really going to be mostly Japanese tourists in attendance. Fact is, there probably won’t be throngs of people from all over the world storming the country to get a peek at what the Expo’s got to offer. Like most people who are curious about the bampaku, I am content to read about the highlights online (and I’ll be sure to blog anything good I come across).
I don’t know about you, but the Internet makes me a lot less curious about the world. Now that I can read all sorts of really general information on the Internet for free, I feel like I already have a sense of what those places must be like. The Marmot’s Hole, for one, has completely ruined me on Korea. I have gotten such an inside scoop from Marmot and his blogroll that I kind of doubt I’d be missing much. When you’re an adult and the thrill of going out and getting drunk fades, all that’s left is more going out drinking. Doesn’t matter where you are, if you work full time then you don’t have time for much else. It’s all the same — the minute differences between countries that you care about can be easily digested in a foot-long blogroll.
No wait, I take it all back. I wish I could be there. I really really do.
I will be there on Monday. I have an invite to the VIP section of the Canadian Pavilion, but I haven’t RSVP’d it in time so I am not sure if I can make it backstage, but I will let you know how the rest of it works out.
You bastard! I would love to get to the expo, and see the Toyota Robot dance.
I am from Texas and spent 4 days in July at the Aichi expo in Japan with my 16 y/o daughter. We loved the experience and exposure. All the negatives on this blog are nonsense. The expo is high caliber and very well managed despite the crowds. Long lines are mainly for the big corporate pavilions. National pavillions have lttle or no waits.
The comment on this blog that the writer loses interest in this sort of expo event because of all the info on the internet is truly a shame. You can download info, but you have to up-load understanding…and the best way to do that is in person and have an open mind.
I have heard some complaints about long lines from friends that went to the expo, but it still looks awesome and I’d love to go. I’m sure Adam just has sour grapes because, like me, he doesn’t have a chance of getting to this expo. Oh well, maybe Shanghai 2010…