AICHI, JAPAN, May 31, 2005 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla today announced that Canada's Pavilion at Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan, had welcomed its one-millionth visitor.Kenji Sakakibara's family of Kariya City in Aichi was welcomed by Norman Moyer, Commissioner General for Canada at Expo 2005, and the staff of the Canada Pavilion. They received VIP treatment, including a guided tour and access to the Manulife VIP lounge, as well as a generous gift basket filled with Canadian goods."The early arrival of this milestone shows that Fuji Television's choice of the Canada Pavilion as the number one international exhibit at Expo 2005 was justified. It also indicates that our pavilion will exceed its initial goal of 1.5 million visitors before closing on September 25," said Minister Frulla. "Having attracting so many interested guests, the Canada Pavilion is clearly fulfilling its goal of showcasing our country's cultural and economic vitality, which are strengthened by the tremendous diversity of our geography and our population. It also provides a wonderful opportunity for Canadian and Japanese people to learn more about one another." "The team at the Canada Pavilion is delighted to see such a great response to our multi-media presentation, as well as to our cultural program. Our hosting staff is particularly pleased to welcome such enthusiastic crowds every day," said Commissioner General Norman Moyer.The pavilion, which explores the theme of diversity through a multi-sensory experience of Canadian culture, environment, and identity, has been drawing considerable crowds since opening on March 25, 2005, averaging nearly 15 000 visitors a day, which represents more than 18 percent of the total number of visitors at Expo 2005. Thirty-six hosting staff members, selected from all regions of Canada, greet and interact with visitors in Japanese and in Canada's two official languages. "Teku-Jin"--special hosts fitted with webcams--take photos of Canada Pavilion guests, which are posted at www.expo2005canada.gc.caThe 2005 World Exposition is being held through September 25 in Aichi, Japan. For more information on Canada's programming at Expo and to participate in a variety of activities, please visit the Web site at www.expo2005canada.gc.caInformation:Jean-Philippe CôtéDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women(819) 997-7788Communications TeamCanada Pavilion 0561 64 5788info@expo2005canada.gc.caMyriam BrochuChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
