Batman Begins in Japan

Originally Published: February 27, 2005

The U.S. Pavilion and Warner Bros.

Pictures Japan today announced that Warner Bros. Pictures’ highly anticipated

feature, Batman Begins, will make its Japanese premiere at the World’s Fair,

Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan. This screening is one of five pre-release

screenings scheduled for Summer 2005 in Japan, and is part of a series of

entertainment events that the U.S. Pavilion will offer throughout the Expo,

which begins Mar. 25, 2005.

The film explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight’s

emergence as a force for good in Gotham. In the wake of his parents’ murder,

disillusioned industrial heir Bruce Wayne travels the world seeking the means

to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful. He

returns to Gotham and unveils his alter-ego: Batman, a masked crusader who

uses his strength, intellect, and an array of high-tech tools to fight thesinister forces that threaten the city.

“The release of the new Batman movie in 2005 brings back one of the mostpopular superheroes of all time,” said Bill Ireton, Managing Director of Warner Bros. Pictures Japan. ”The Aichi Expo 2005 provides a unique

opportunity to showcase this American comic book icon and pop culture big

screen hero to the international audience at of the World Expo 2005. Warner

Bros. Pictures is excited to be partner with the U.S. Pavilion at this

important world event.”

“The World Expo gives the U.S. an opportunity to share our culture in the

arts, music and entertainment fields,” said Lisa Gable, U.S. Commissioner

General to the World Expo 2005. “We are honored to have U.S. performers,

educators and thought leaders present to such a diverse and multinational

audience while in Japan.”

A complete guide to U.S. Pavilion cultural events, including dates and

times for the Batman Begins screenings, will be released in coming weeks.

The World Expo 2005 will be held in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, from Mar. 25

through Sept. 25, 2005. Business and political leaders from around the world

will be among the estimated 15 million visitors to the Expo. Of the 122

country exhibits, the U.S. Pavilion is expected to be a major attraction that

celebrates nature, progress and human achievement, with the Pavilion theme

dedicated to The Franklin Spirit. As the country’s first diplomat and a

Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin is the ideal personality to bring the story

of U.S. innovation and achievement to life for those who visit the Expo.

On July 29, 2004, the U.S. Department of State signed a Memorandum of

Agreement with Aichi-USA 2005 World Exposition, Inc. (Aichi USA 2005). Under

the terms of the Memorandum, Aichi USA 2005 is raising all the funds necessary

to create and manage the official U.S. Pavilion. Pavilion sponsors include

leading American-based companies and organizations and several U.S. states.

More information on the U.S. Pavilion can be found at www.uspavilion.com.