InsideJapan News Network

Japanese companies and the representatives from the nation's government are to travel to the Shanghai Expo to highlight the country's environmentally conscious technological advances.

A report from local source the Mainichi Daily News said that Japan is to utilise its appearance at the expo by showing off its "cutting edge environmental protection technology".

In total, 22 Japanese firms will be displaying their wares at the event.

The Japanese pavilion itself is also set to be an example of the nation's eco ways and will boast solar panels and other eco options such as rainwater collection.

The Japan Times noted that the pavilion is also to be brightly decorated with screens showing footage of girl group AKB48 as well as images of picturesque scenes from across the nation.

Visitors to the Japanese pavilion will also be treated to traditional food including dumplings and can get their hands on a Hello Kitty doll.

Cartoon character Hello Kitty is one of the country's official tourism representatives.

Written by Mark Smith.