WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- The United States unveiled Tuesday its official mascot for next year's World Expo in the Japanese city of Osaka, with officials saying it represents "imagination and innovation."

The star-shaped pavilion mascot is named Spark and its design is inspired by American symbols and motifs, such as the national flag's stars and stripes.

At an event to preview the U.S. pavilion, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said the exposition, which will be held from April to October, will provide "tremendous opportunities for us to engage a broad group of people, not just Japanese friends but visitors from throughout the world and Asia in particular."

The U.S. pavilion's theme is "Imagine What We Can Create Together."

Shigeo Yamada, Japan's ambassador to the United States, said in a speech at the event that his experience of visiting the 1970 expo in the same Japanese city made him understand the world's diversity.

"Probably the seed was planted at that time there that led me to become a diplomat," the envoy said at the State Department. "Next year in Osaka, with your help, under the theme of designing a future society for our lives, we will showcase ideas and technologies to solve global challenges we face today."