Canada, which will be participating in next year's Osaka-Kansai Expo, held a groundbreaking ceremony for its pavilion on the 21st in Yumeshima, Osaka City, which will be the venue.
Approximately 40 people attended the groundbreaking ceremony, including officials from the Canadian government and the Expo Association, which is the organizer of the Expo, and prayed for the safety of the construction work.
The theme of Canada's pavilion is "Rebirth."
The exterior design is based on the motif of river ice that is frozen during the harsh Canadian winter and gradually melts with the arrival of spring, expressing the rebirth and growth of nature and society.
Inside the pavilion, in addition to introducing Canada's rich natural environment and efforts to combat climate change, the pavilion will also offer Canadian food.
Construction of the pavilion will use reusable materials, and pre-fabricated building parts will be brought to Japan and assembled. Full-scale construction will begin in May this year, and construction of the main building will begin in October. The plan is to complete the construction, including the interior, by March of next year, the month before the opening.
Laurie Peters, representative of the Government of Canada, said: ``I am pleased to report that preparations are progressing smoothly.The exterior of the pavilion represents ice, but inside you can feel the warmth and positive attitude of the Canadian people.'' We will make it something that people can enjoy.''