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Canada at Expo

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A proud tradition

A photo of the Canada Pavilion from Expo 1970 in Osaka. The Pavilion is made of mirrors; There are two geometric prisms on an angle on the left and right. The mirrors are reflecting the Canadian and other countries flags. In the middle of the two prisms there is a circular structure with tall round columns. On the top left of the image there is the World Expo 1970 in Osaka branding. It is red with white Japanese flower and “Expo70” below it.

World Expo 1970 Osaka

Japan has a stellar record and reputation for hosting Expos. It began with the Japan World Exposition Osaka 1970 – the first World Expo to be held in Asia. The theme of the Expo was “Progress and Harmony for Mankind”, while the Canada Pavilion was inspired by the theme “Discovery”. Our pavilion was one of the most sought out at the Expo and was voted the favourite among youth. More than 25 million people visited our pavilion—exceeding the entire population of Canada at the time.

Credit: Photo courtesy of the Erickson Family Collection / arthurerickson.comExternal Link Title

A photo of the Canada Pavilion 1975 in Okinawa. The Pavilion is a white building with angular edges that meet in the middle. On the building it says, “CANADA with the Canadian Flag then CANADA in Japanese.” There is an astronaut facing the Pavilion and pointing at it. The top right of the photo there is the World Expo 1975 in Okinawa branding in red and white. It has a graphic of waves and says “EXPO75”

Specialized Expo 1975 Okinawa

Canada was one of 37 nations to take part in the International Ocean Exposition, Okinawa 1975. The main theme was “The Sea We Would Like to See”. As a country bordered by three oceans, Canada contributed to the Expo’s global conversations about ocean life, marine technology and living in harmony with the oceans.

A photo of the Canada Pavilion 1985 in Tsukuba. It is designed as a traditional Japanese house and on the side of the house there is two Japanese flags that have the Government of Canada logo, and “Canada” in Japanese below it. On the top left of the image there is the World Expo 1985 in Tsukuba branding. It is red with white Ja surfboard and sun with “Expo70” below it.

Specialized Expo 1985 Tsukuba

The theme for the International Exhibition, Tsukuba Japan 1985 was “Dwellings and Surroundings—Science and Technology for Man at Home”. Our pavilion featured a fully-equipped TV studio that produced a daily show broadcast throughout Japan.

A photo of the Canada Pavilion in 1990 in Osaka. The pavilion is a traditional Canadian wood cabin. It is surrounded by nature and has a wood sign that says “BIG NATURE” in English and “Ontario Canada” in Japanese. The top right of the photo there is the World Expo 1990 in Osaka branding in red and white. It has a graphic of stylized flower with six petals, representing wonders of life and says “EXPO90”.

Horticultural Expo 1990 Osaka

The International Garden and Greenery Exposition, Osaka 1990 was the first large-scale horticultural exposition in Asia. The Canadian province of Ontario participated in this Expo, which explored the theme “Harmonious Coexistence of Nature and Mankind”.

A photo of the Canada Pavilion in 2005 in Aichi. The Pavilion is a large rectangular structure with a mural of Canadian Maple leaves drifting in wind on a blue background. It has the Government of Canada Logo and Canada written in Japanese. In front of the Pavilion, there is an abstract sculpture of half of Canadian maple leaf. On the top left of the image there is the World Expo 2005 in Aichi branding.

Expo 2005 Aichi

This World Expo focused on the theme “Nature’s Wisdom” and saw Canada blend the real and digital worlds. Our theme was “Wisdom of Diversity” and our presentation included a northern lights (aurora borealis) simulation and “teku-jin” (hosting staff who carried mobile computer monitors). More than 3 million visitors came to see the Canada Pavilion.

We look forward to our continued journey at Expo 2025.