Japan Pavilion Attracts Over 100,000 Visitors

Doha, Qatar: Japan pavilion at Expo 2023 Doha has attracted over 100,000 visitors from both inside and outside Qatar, according to Vice Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, H E Mitsuo Takahashi.

The pavilion showcases a diverse range of Japanese cultural elements, particularly focusing on floral arrangements and greening technology.

Takahashi highlighted the pavilion's commitment to presenting Japanese high-quality flowering plants and culture in the most beautiful way possible. Notably, the indoor section features a brand-new Ikebana and flower arrangement every other week, while the outdoor area exhibits traditional techniques like Karesansui, a Japanese garden style utilising stones and sand, he said during an event.

Expressing the aim to raise awareness about Japanese flowers and flower culture in the Middle East, Takahashi hoped that the exhibition would spark interest among the people of Qatar. Looking ahead, Takahashi shared insights into the upcoming International Horticultural Expo scheduled for 2027 in Yokohama, Japan. With the theme“Scenery of the Future for Happiness,” the expo aims to broaden its focus beyond flowers and greenery to include food, agriculture, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“For now, we are getting ready to ensure that you can enjoy not only the wonderful flowers and flower culture of Japan, but also Japanese food culture and the deliciousness of Japanese food. We sincerely look forward to your visit,” Takahashi said.

Highlighting the significance of Expo 2023 Doha as the first A1 international horticultural expo in the Middle East, Takahashi stressed the global importance of addressing climate change. He expressed confidence that the six-month long event provides an opportunity to unite efforts to create a sustainable and better future.

Ambassador of Japan to Qatar H E Satoshi Maeda, meanwhile, said that Japan is among the first countries to open a pavilion at the Expo 2023 Doha.

The envoy also stressed Japan's promotion of floral arrangements, cultural displays, and greening technology, anticipating that these activities would enhance cooperation between Japan and Qatar.

“Japan has also been promoting the next International Horticultural Exposition which will be held in Yokohama in 2027. I certainly believe that these activities will provide opportunities or widen potentials to diversifying the areas of cooperation between Japan and Qatar as well.”

Secretary General of Expo 2023 Doha, Mohammed Al Khouri, reported that the Expo has already welcomed over 2.5 million visitors since its opening in October.

With expectations of a growing number of visitors in the coming months, Al Khouri attributed this anticipated increase to the pleasant weather and winter vacations during the second half of the Expo's duration.

The six-month long event aims to attract over three million people, and will run until March 28.

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