Canada's pavilion at the 2025 World Exposition may appear icy with its sharply angled white exterior, but the country aims to offer visitors a warm experience by showcasing its openness, cultural diversity and other attributes.
The pavilion's exterior architecture represents a natural phenomenon seen in Canada called an "ice jam," which occurs when river ice melts and flows at the onset of spring, a long-awaited season in the country where winter temperatures can fall below minus 50 C.
"Canada's theme is regeneration," Laurie Peters, commissioner general for Canada at the expo, said in a recent interview, explaining that the intention is partly to present a "renewed" image of her country beyond its well-known natural wonders such as Niagara Falls and the Rocky Mountains.
"Many people know and love Canada for its nature and natural beauty...but they perhaps don't know as much about Canada's creativity and diversity and commitment to sustainability," she said.
Canada, built by immigrants from around the world, has actively promoted inclusion and respect for diversity, with its multicultural society made up of three founding peoples -- aboriginal, French and British -- and a rich tapestry of other racial and ethnic groups.
English and French are both used as Canada's official languages. In 1988, the country became the first in the world to enshrine its multiculturalism policy in legislation.
During the expo, visitors will be offered an "analog experience" at a time when many things can be enjoyed virtually, Peters said, touching on music and other cultural performances and culinary programs that will bring chefs from Canada to serve local dishes and food ranging from lobster and beef to blueberries to maple syrup.
Actual interactions with Canadians will also be a highlight, with some 30 young people recruited to come to the Asian country. They are expected to speak English, French and Japanese to welcome and guide the guests.
The expo will be a "perfect extension" of the deep and longstanding relationship between Canada and Japan, Peters said.
Canada is also a popular destination for Japanese students attending universities and other schools to go abroad for study, ranking second after the United States in fiscal 2022 in terms of the number of students at more than 6,700, according to data from the Japan Student Services Organization.
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A guide to 2025 World Expo in Osaka
