Dr. Genshitsu Sen, chair of the 2004 Osaka Convention Committee, officially opened the festivities in the Osaka Dome arena by praising RI President Jonathan B. Majiyagbe's Lend a Hand theme as a means of fostering peace on Earth. "There is a tremendous spirit and fellowship in Rotary today. Rotarians have the heart, the hands, and the body to cure many of the world's ills," he said.
President Majiyagbe likened Rotary service to the four seasons, which he used as his convention background theme. "Every new season brings a new challenge, a new set of goals, a new inspiration to cast off the old and begin afresh…. In the mirror of the seasons we see reflected some the great lessons and challenges of Rotary, and those challenges will never become less."