Bangkok--26 Sep--BhumPR
The relationship between Japan and Thailand is being strengthened by Japan's participation in the "Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006," International Horticultural Exposition, an official celebration of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand's 60th anniversary of His accession to the Throne and of His 80th birthday.
Japanese Consul General Katsuhiro Shinohara said that Japan attaches great importance to His Majesty the King's 60th anniversary of his accession to the throne, to his 80th birthday anniversary which falls on 5 December 2007 and to the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and had decided to display both indoor and outdoor Japanese-style gardens at the international horticultural exposition.
Japan is building an outdoor garden (1,500 sq.m.) and an indoor garden (300 sq.m.) as gifts to Thailand and is also bringing in cultural dances and traditions to entertain the expo visitors. The expo will run from November 1, 2006, to January 31, 2007, in Chiang Mai, a northern province of Thailand.
It has been 119 years since Japan and Thailand first established diplomatic relations. In June 2006, Their Majesties the Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand to commemorate His Majesty's 60th anniversary. And in 2007, the two countries will celebrate the 120th anniversary of their relations. The participation of the Japan government in the upcoming "Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006" is part of the commemoration.
In the exposition, Japan will build an outdoor garden on 1,500 sq.m. and an indoor garden on 300 sq.m. The country will also bring in cultural performances and traditions to join in the celebration for His Majesty the King of Thailand.
Japan outdoor garden is designed in accordance with the theme of the expo, "To Express the Love for Humanity," and with a view to wishing long life to His Majesty the King. The highlights of the garden include a three-meter tall model of Mount Fuji, a pond that symbolizes the ocean, a "turtle" island symbolizing longevity, and a "crane" stonework symbolizing fortune.
Another highlight of the garden is a display of Lotus "Oga-Hasu" (Nelumbonaceae Nelumb nucifera "Oga-hasu") which was named after Dr. Ichiro Oga, who excavated its fruit from a stratum of peat deposits of more than 2,000 years ago at Kemigawa city in Chiba region in 1951. And after its estimated 2,000 years of sleep, it germinated and bloomed in the following year.
For its Indoor garden, Japan will import an assortment of Japan flowers; some are intellectual properties of the country and will not be left in Thailand after the displays. Arts of Japanese garden design will be a focus of the Indoor Garden.
During the expo, Japan will also organize a "Japan Week" consisting of performances of Japanese Taiko (drums,) demonstrations of such traditional arts as Kimono Wearing and Tea Ceremony, and exhibitions of traditional paper handicrafts and clay arts, etc.
Not only will Japan participate in the event on the national government level, the country's three prefecture governments; namely Hyogo, Kyoto, and Osaka, are also joining to build a "Kansai Cultural Garden" for the expo. This garden is a present the three prefecture governments will give in return to Thailand for the nation's providing assistance to the Hyogo prefecture when it was hit with an earthquake in the past. The garden is designed in a traditional "Karesansui Garden" style using bamboo fence and stone garden. Highlights of the garden include a harbor symbolizing Osaka's prosperity, an alley called "Machiya" in the entrance of a traditional house symbolizing Kyoto's elegance, richness of nature in the garden symbolizing Hyogo's serenity.
The construction of the Japan Outdoor Garden is approximately 50 percent completed. Visitors of the "Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006" can visit the Japan gardens in the "International Outdoor Garden" and "International Indoor Garden" zones during November 1, 2006 — January 31, 2007, in Chiang Mai.
So far 34 countries worldwide have confirmed their participation at the exposition. Over 2.5 million plants, including some 2,200 species of tropical plants and flowers, will be showcased at the event, the first international horticultural exposition ever held in Thailand, while Thailand is the first country in Southeast Asia to host such the event.
The Thai government expects over two million visitors from all over the world to join in the official celebration at the "Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006," International Horticultural Exposition for His Majesty the King. For more information, visit www.royalfloraexpo.com .
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