Some big events today. The 2005 World Exposition Aichi officially opens its doors to the public, with the theme “Nature’s Wisdom.” Thousands attended the opening ceremony yesterday, including the Emperor, Empress, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. 121 countries are taking part in the expo, built among wooded hills about 20km from the city of Nagoya in central Japan. About 15 million people are expected to visit the event over the next 185 days.
• TV viewers will be glued to their screens tonight for the World Cup qualifier against Iran. The kickoff at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium is at 10:35pm Japan time. With an expected crowd of over 100,000 fanatical supporters behind them, Iran will give Japan its biggest challenge in some time. Nakata Hidetoshi is back for the first time in over a year and will wear the captain’s armband.