Japanese leader says he hopes Osaka expo will help reunite a divided world

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. unity / ˈyu nɪ ti / (n.) – the state of being together or working as one
    Example:

    Even though the students came from different countries, they showed unity by working as a group on the project.


  2. array / əˈreɪ / (n.) – a large group or number of things, usually shown or arranged in order
    Example:

    The store had an array of shoes, from sandals to winter boots, for all kinds of weather.


  3. cutting-edge / ˌkʌt̬ ɪŋˈedʒ / (adj.) – very new and modern; using the latest technology or ideas
    Example:

    The hospital uses cutting-edge machines, so patients get the best care.


  4. encircle / ɛnˈsɜr kəl / (v.) – to go around or surround something, forming a circle around it
    Example:

    A white fence encircles the playground to keep the children safe.


  5. pavilion / pəˈvɪl yən / (n.) – a temporary building or tent, often used for events, exhibitions, or shelter
    Example:

    The visitors rested inside the pavilion after walking around the park.


Article

Read the text below.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, speaking at the opening ceremony for the Osaka expo, expressed his hope that the event would help restore global unity in a world plagued by conflicts and trade wars.


“The world, having overcome the coronavirus pandemic, is now threatened by an array of divisions,” Ishiba said. “At a time like this, it is extremely meaningful that people from around the world gather here and discuss the theme of life and experience cutting-edge technology, diverse ideas and culture.”


Expo 2025 Osaka officially opened on April 12, with the theme of life, world and the future, and Japan hoped to bring unity and portray a future society.


Citing the expo’s iconic lattice-like wooden “Grand Ring,” which symbolizes unity and encircles the venue, Ishiba said, “I sincerely hope the world will unite again through interactions among countries and visitors in and outside of this ring.”


The costly ring, the world’s largest wooden architectural structure, is 20 meters (65 feet) high and has a 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) circumference.


During the six-month event on the reclaimed island and industrial waste burial site of Yumeshima, which means dream island, in the Osaka Bay, the city is hosting some 180 countries, regions and organizations showcasing their futuristic exhibits inside about 80 pavilions of unique designs.


It is Osaka’s second world expo after the 1970 event that scored a huge success and attracted 64 million visitors—a record until Shanghai in 2010.


Emperor Naruhito, in his address at the opening ceremony, recalled visiting the earlier expo as a fascinating experience for a then 10-year-old prince.


“I vividly remember how excited I was coming across the latest technology, playing with a wireless phone and looking at the moon rock,” brought back by the U.S. Apollo 12 lunar mission, said the emperor, now 65.


Naruhito said he hoped the second Osaka expo would be as successful and expressed hope that children will learn more about people, regions and the world and think about future society by interacting with next-generation technologies and efforts for a sustainable future.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Expo 2025 in Osaka hopes to restore unity in a world plagued by conflicts through the numerous countries’ showcase of new technology and solutions. Do you think the Expo is an effective way to promote unity? Why do you say so? How do you think discussions about new technology and solutions help countries have better relationships? Discuss.
  • The “Grand Ring” at the Expo is a symbol of unity. How much do you think the design of a place or venue can help share important messages or ideas? For you, can a building or space really make people feel something or think in a new way? Why do you say so? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Expo 2025 focuses on life, the world, and the future. What kind of future do you imagine for your country and for the world? Do you think that’s easy or difficult to achieve? Why? Discuss.
  • The Prime Minister said the world is facing many kinds of divisions. What do you think are the biggest causes of division in the world today? What actions, mindsets, or behaviors do you think people should have to create a better future (ex. have an open mind, be responsible)? Discuss.