Groundbreaking ceremony held on October 17th

The groundbreaking ceremony for EXPO 2005 Aichi, Japan, was held at the lawn of the Aichi Youth Park. The speech by the chairman of the Japan Association for the 2005 World Exposition, Shoichiro Toyoda, was followed by congratulatory messages from Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Takeo Hiranuma, minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. Groundbreaking followed the speeches.

With more than 600 in attendance, the progress of EXPO 2005 Aichi, Japan, was celebrated.

Also, the official theme song, written by songwriter, YOSHIKI, was performed at the ceremony.