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His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince, Ladies & Gentlemen, On the occasion of the closing ceremony of the 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, it is my honor to address this gathering on behalf of the Government of Japan. Since the opening of EXPO 2005 Aichi, many people from home and from countries and regions of every corner of the world, have come to sample the delights the World Exposition has to offer. Visitor numbers have significantly exceeded initial expectations, with over 20 million visitors ensuring the success of EXPO 2005 Aichi. That the World Exposition has proved such a resounding success is in no small part due to the tireless efforts of more than 120 countries and organizations, individual companies and groups, and people from all walks of life, as well as the governments of Aichi Prefecture and the City of Nagoya. I offer my sincere and heartfelt thanks to all those involved. Six months ago, at the opening ceremony of the World Exposition, I stressed the importance of taking to heart the spirit of "mottainai"-literally translated as "don't waste what is valuable"-as part of efforts to realize a balance between environmental protection and economic development. At the World Exposition, we have utilized fuel cell power generation using raw waste materials and biodegradable plastic items, demonstrating how respect for the "mottainai" spirit can be effectively harnessed in our daily lives together with the power of science and technology. I am certain that many visitors have been impressed by the technologies empowered by the spirit of "mottainai." It is my deepest wish that EXPO 2005 Aichi will help to spread the concept of "mottainai" around the world, and that by not wasting what is valuable, we will be able to realize a society in which humankind and nature can live in harmony. In closing, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation and respect to everyone involved, not least the members of the Japan Association for the 2005 World Exposition, whose dedicated efforts day by day have brought us to such a successful conclusion. September 25, 2005 Junichiro Koizumi Prime Minister of Japan