Polish Day In Japan
Poland took centre stage at 2005 World Exposition Aichi on Monday as it celebrated its national day, with Polish Minister for Economics Affairs and Labor Jacek Piechota presiding over the celebrations.
The minister said he hoped Poland's pavilion would provide an opportunity for Japanese people interested in Poland to experience various aspects of the country, sparking increased tourism and investment from Japan.
He added that knowledge of Poland was virtually nonexistent in Japan, saying, "Only businesspeople who have invested in the country and classical music lovers familiar with Polish-born composer Frederic Chopin have given particular attention to Poland."
At the Polish Pavilion, part of the Wieliczka salt mine - a UNESCO World Heritage site - has been reproduced, with films of other sightseeing spots screened. Polish food is available at the pavilion's restaurant.
During a meeting with Japanese businesspeople at the exposition, the Polish minister said he believed investment from Japan, though on the rise, was insufficient.
Piechota said about 100 firms, including Toyota Motor Corp., had opened factories and offices in Poland and that Japan's accumulated investment reached about 1 billion dollars in 2004.
However, the minister said, "We'll further improve our investment environment to encourage foreign investment - including of course from Japan - to our country."
Many cultural events were organized to celebrate Poland's national day, with Polish and Japanese musicians playing Chopin rearranged into rock, folk, funk and other musical genres. Two amateur sumo wrestlers from Poland demonstrated their skills in front of the pavilion and the traditional Polish dance company Warszawianka performed.