香港館

Did the shimmering sails of the Hong Kong Pavilion at Expo ’70 ever catch your eye? Right here in Osaka, a memorial plaque commemorates this unique structure. The Hong Kong Pavilion wasn’t just another building at the Expo ’70. It was a symbol of Hong Kong’s vibrant spirit, showcasing its “Enjoyment and Enterprise through Harmony.” The pavilion was a blend of modern and traditional, featuring two rectangular volumes linked by a walkway, all under a flat roof. A circular stage hosted lively dance performances, while a small pond mirrored Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour. But the real showstopper? Thirteen orange-red nylon sails, rising and falling like the breath of a giant, danced in the wind, reaching heights of up to twenty-two meters. They mimicked the sails of a traditional Chinese junk or sampan, a nod to Hong Kong’s rich maritime heritage. Designed by Alan Fitch, a British architect working with the Hong Kong firm W. Szeto & Partners, the pavilion embodied Hong Kong’s unique blend of East and West. The pavilion showcased Hong Kong’s social and industrial progress, along with its cultural heritage, in three distinct sections. It was a testament to the city’s dynamic growth and transformation. While the pavilion itself is long gone, this memorial plaque serves as a reminder of its vibrant presence at Expo ’70. It’s a small piece of Hong Kong’s history, forever imprinted on the landscape of Osaka.