Global Common 1 (Asia)

Apart from the corporate pavilions from the host nation (Japan), there are six global common zones that feature exhibitions from other participating countries.

The Saudi Arabia Pavilion allows visitors a deeper understanding about Islam and the history creation of the Saudi Kingdom.

Representatives from the Saudi Arabia were singing hymns. Highly entertaining.

The kiswah is a black silk cloth decorated with gold-embroidered calligraphy that covers the ka'bah (the giant black box) in Mecca. Mecca is the holiest of all cities to Muslims and the ka'bah is the center of attention of the center of attention.

Yemen is said to be the most underdeveloped country in the Arab world, and conversely it is a country where the traditional culture and way of life of Arabs are still well preserved. The Old City of Sana'a is called the world's most ancient skyscraper city. The Yemen Pavilion focuses on the re-creation of the Sana'a streets (topmost picture, right).

One exhibition highlight of the Bangladesh Pavilion is the rickshaw (bicycle-taxis) that Dhaka is famed for.

Agriculture lies at the center of economic activities in Bangladesh, and its exports are largely comprised of cash crops like jute and jute items.

Each of us (Cho, Menaka and myself) bought a flute for just 100 yen (each) from the Bangladesh Pavilion. There is a restaurant that serves ethnic curry, barbeque, kebab, samosa and nan. We had our lunch there.

The Sri Lanka Pavilion showed us the historical glory of unique art and architecture through Theravada Buddhist practice. Walls are painted with events from Buddha's life and Jataka Stories relating previous births of Buddha.

Upon entering the exhibition hall, visitors see 1000 square meters of handicrafted batik set on the ceiling. Very impressive and indeed one of the best pavilions (in my opinion).

The China Pavilion has a unique outdoor design - the 12 animals in chinese calendar. The next world exposition 'Better City, Better Life' will be held in Shanghai in 2010, the first world expo to be held in China.

In the sense of Chinese civilisation, it is difficult not to mention about this chinese invention - the abacus (suan pan, in mandarin, literally means calculating plate).

The sandalwood furniture of the Qing Dynasty design.

The red and blue colors in the design of the Korea Pavilion and the bluish sky background is pretty indeed.

The Uzbekistan Pavilion presents traditional handicraft wood and brick carvings.

There are many other pavilions in the Global Common 1 (Asia) zone. Other participating countries include Iran, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan), which we did not see. Also Bhutan Pavilion and India Pavilion (which I will include in my next posting after short summer vacation to Kyushu Island). More postings next week !