Four years left until the April issue is held!　Interview with the 2027 International Horticultural Exposition Association

　What do you think of when you hear "international exposition"?
　The "International Exposition" is often referred to as the Expo, but it is a large-scale exposition in which countries around the world exhibit their industrial and cultural achievements. It must be certified by the Exposition Secretariat (BIE) in Paris under the International Exposition Convention. The International Exposition aims to be a place for exchange between countries around the world as a symbol of peace.
　
　The first international exposition held in Japan was the Osaka Expo in 1970 (Showa 45). "Tower of the Sun" was created as a symbol tower. Under the theme of "Progress and Harmony of Mankind", 64 million people attended the event with the participation of 77 countries.
　The international exposition held in Japan in recent years is the 2005 Aichi Expo in Aichi Prefecture. The Osaka-Kansai Expo will be held in 2025, followed by the Horticultural Exposition in Yokohama in 2027.
　This horticultural exposition cannot be held unless approved by the Expo Secretariat (BIE) and certified by the International Horticultants Association (AIPH).
　It is also required to contribute to the spread of international horticultural culture, living full of flowers and greenery, the creation of local and economy, and the resolution of social issues.
　
　This time, we spoke with the 2027 International Horticultural Exposition Association, which is preparing for the first international exposition in Yokohama.

―First of all, please tell us about the outline and theme of Horticulture Expo.
　The International Horticultural Exposition is an expo aimed at promoting flowering horticulture, landscaping and agriculture, as well as contributing to the resolution of social issues. It will be held from March 19 to September 26, 2027 at the former Kamiseya Communication Facility in Asahi Ward and Seya Ward.
　The theme of the Horticulture Expo is "Scenery of Tomorrow to Create Happiness".
　Through the relationship with flowers and greenery, each person wants to create a sustainable and well-being society that coexists with nature. The theme is that feeling.
　2030 is the goal of achieving the SDGs that seeks to solve issues such as discrimination, poverty, and human rights issues in addition to environmental issues around the world. Through the Horticultural Expo held in 2027, three years ago, we hope to provide an opportunity to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs by disseminating the Japanese model for the formation of a sustainable society from Yokohama to the world.
　
―What kind of content do you plan for?
　There are plenty of cutting-edge technologies and a variety of entertainment.
　As the name of Horticulture Expo, not only beautiful gardens and flowers, content that allows you to experience cutting-edge technologies related to horticulture and agriculture, the importance of greenery and nature and the creation of new industries, as well as food and culture around the world. We want to communicate diverse values and charms that are not bound by horticulture.

　Various countries, international organizations, private companies, etc. are scheduled to exhibit on the site of the vast exposition of 100 hectares. The 100ha is about two Tokyo Disneyland, so within the overwhelming scale, you will be able to feel the space that will remain in the hearts of many people, such as flowers, greenery, and gardens around the world.

　This Horticulture Expo will be held for a total of 192 days. Flowers and greens show very different expressions depending on the season, so you can enjoy the fresh scenery no matter how many times you visit, not just once.
　In addition, we are planning a food experience business. By recognizing the food crisis and agricultural issues through familiar food, I think that you can realize the theme of Horticulture Expo. We hope that everyone will enjoy the experience that combines various entertainments and the experiences and food surprises according to the season.

―What kind of preparations are being made for the Horticulture Expo?
　"GREEN x EXPO Lab (creative organization)" was launched on February 8, 1,500 days before the event.
　Shiro Wakui, the representative of the lab and chairperson, was in charge of the general supervision and landscape of the Horticulture Expo, and Kengo Kuma, a master architect, was responsible for the construction of the Horticulture Expo. I will.

　Mika Ninagawa joined as a creator, and we decided to work on the design of goods. With a beautiful design that maximizes the charm of flowers, we hope that the Horticulture Expo will remain even more impressive. Currently, an advertisement for Horticulture Expo designed by Ninagawa is posted on the Sotetsu Line. Be sure to check it out when boarding.

　From March 19, four years before the event, a countdown board was newly installed at Sakuragicho-sta. Square. This countdown board is also designed and supervised by Mika Ninagawa, making it a very gorgeous board that expresses the beauty of the colorful flowers. Please use it as a photo spot while counting the number of days until Horticulture Expo is held.

　In the future, various events will be held at the milestones, and we are preparing content that not only the management side but also the citizens can take the initiative and get excited.
　
―Finally, please tell us your enthusiasm for the event.
　We are preparing for a horticultural exposition that allows visitors to experience new experiences such as flowers, greenery, agriculture and food. The cooperation of citizens is indispensable for the success of Horticulture Expo. I would like to work together to create and prosper together. After the Osaka Flower Expo in 1990, a gardening boom occurred. This time, we are preparing for an exposition that will change our awareness of nature. Please look forward to it! Thank you for your support and cooperation in Horticulture Expo.

　Regarding the preparation status of the Horticulture Expo, we will continue to provide the latest information in the public relations Yokohama. Please look forward to it!