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Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi attended the opening ceremony of the Exposition of Global Harmony (2005 World Exposition) held in Aichi Prefecture. The opening ceremony of the Exposition of Global Harmony (2005 World Exposition), which will be held under the theme of "Nature's Wisdom," was held at the EXPO Dome in Nagakute with the attendance of approximately 2,400 people in total including Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress, His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince, who is serving as the Honorary President of the exposition, Prime Minister Koizumi, Ms. Wangari Maathai, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, and government representatives of participating countries. In his address, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "The Exposition of Global Harmony also serves as an opportunity for people from around the world to gather and consider how humankind should interact with nature. Science and technology are the key factors to realize a balance between environmental protection and economic development. I hope that the Exposition of Global Harmony will mark the starting point for us to think about a way for humankind and nature to coexist into the future." A total of 121 countries including Japan and four international organizations are participating in the Exposition of Global Harmony, the first exposition of the new century. It will be open to the public from March 25. It is expected that many people from Japan and abroad will come and enjoy the exposition during the 185-day period which will conclude on September 25.