The U.S. Pavilion Brings American Culture to World EXPO 2005, Aichi, Japan

The U.S. Pavilion Brings American Culture to World EXPO 2005, Aichi, Japan

TOKYO, March 25 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Pavilion announces the highlights of its cultural program for World EXPO 2005 at Aichi, Japan. As a gesture of the strong friendship between the United States and Japan, the U.S. Pavilion will bring to EXPO 2005 some of America's most celebrated figures in the arts, music and entertainment fields, with particular focus on youth and family.

The month of May will feature the first appearance of the New York City Opera in Japan, with a total of four performances, two each in Tokyo and Nagoya. The performance of "Little Women" will be held at the Tokyo Kosei Nenkin Kaikan on May 19, 2005, at 6:30 p.m., followed by "Madama Butterfly" on May 22, 2005, at 1:30 p.m. Performances at the Aichi Prefectural Arts Theatre in Nagoya will include "Little Women" on May 26, 2005, at 6:30 p.m. and "Madama Butterfly" on May 28, 2005, at 2:00 p.m.

U.S. Pavilion cultural programs will be in full swing on June 20, 2005, which is U.S. National Day at the EXPO. In true American style, the day's festivities begin with a parade from the U.S. Pavilion to the EXPO Dome, led by the University of Southern California's Trojan Marching Band. With a long history of world tours and appearances in film and on television, the band will bring its trademark sound and energy to this special performance for U.S. National Day. The celebration will also include the Japan premiere of the beloved "Sesame Street Live" show, with two performances presented in both English and Japanese. The internationally acclaimed Voena Children's Choir will also give a special performance, and celebrated tenor and New York native Daniel Rodriguez will sing the national anthem of the United States.

These U.S. National Day performances are part of a series of entertainment events that the U.S. Pavilion will offer throughout the duration of the EXPO. Additional highlights include Warner Bros. Pictures' highly anticipated feature, "Batman Begins," whose five pre-release screenings around Japan in late May will include a stop in Nagoya. An event celebrating "American Icons," sponsored by General Motors, will be held in Tokyo in May and will feature the renowned jazz musician David Benoit. In September, the U.S. Pavilion plans to host a U.S.-Japan Innovation Conference with American and Japanese business, science, and academic leaders to foster dialogue on how the two countries can further strengthen relations through innovation.

"American arts, music and entertainment culture will come alive at the U.S. Pavilion. Through our rich cultural presentations, we hope to share the dynamism and creativity of the American spirit, and the hope, optimism, enterprise and freedom it represents," said Lisa Gable, U.S. Commissioner General to the World EXPO 2005.

About the U.S. Pavilion World EXPO 2005

The World EXPO 2005 will be held in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, from March 25 through September 25, 2005. Business and political leaders from around the world will be among the estimated 15 million visitors to EXPO 2005. Of the 120 country exhibits, the U.S. Pavilion is expected to be a major attraction that celebrates nature, progress and human achievement, with the Pavilion theme dedicated to "The Franklin Spirit." As an American statesman, diplomat and entrepreneur, Benjamin Franklin is the ideal personality to bring the story of U.S. innovation and achievement to life for those who visit the EXPO.

On July 29, 2004, the U.S. Department of State signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Aichi-USA 2005 World Exposition, Inc. (Aichi USA 2005). Under the terms of the Memorandum, Aichi USA 2005 is raising all the funds necessary to create and manage the official U.S. Pavilion. Pavilion sponsors include leading American-based companies and organizations and several U.S. states. More information on the U.S. Pavilion can be found at www.uspavilion.com.

Contact: Japan, Kumiko Hidaka, hidakak@cosmopr.co.jp, or Elizabeth Hildebrand, elizabethh@cosmopr.co.jp, both of Cosmo Public Relations, +81-03-5561-2915, for U.S. Pavilion World EXPO 2005; or U.S., Brandee Barker of Ruder Finn/Switzer, +1-415-348-2721, or barkerb@ruderfinn.com, for U.S. Pavilion World EXPO 2005.

Source: U.S. Pavilion World EXPO 2005

CONTACT: Japan, Kumiko Hidaka, hidakak@cosmopr.co.jp, or Elizabeth
Hildebrand, elizabethh@cosmopr.co.jp, both of Cosmo Public Relations,
+81-03-5561-2915, for U.S. Pavilion World EXPO 2005; or U.S., Brandee Barker
of Ruder Finn/Switzer, +1-415-348-2721, or barkerb@ruderfinn.com, for U.S.
Pavilion World EXPO 2005

Web site: http://www.uspavilion.com/

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