Staff pose with Expo 2010 mascot Haibao

scene of the exhibition hall

scene of the exhibition hall

People in Tokyo, Japan, can now get a preview of World Expo 2010 Shanghai by taking a tour of an exhibition hall in the city, which features a large screen broadcasting information about the event.

The 300-square-meter hall, which opened yesterday, is the first of its kind set up by the organizer overseas. The screen, using the most advanced software technology developed by Japan and France, presents a magical world with models of various pavilions and Expo Shanghai mascot Haibao.

Officials in charge of the hall said the display would raise awareness and expectations among Japanese people.

Deng Wei, counselor at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Japan, said officials believed Expo Shanghai would be marvelous given Beijing’s success in hosting the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Cui Tiankai, China's Ambassador to Japan, Eda Satsuki, President of the House of Counselors of Japan, Kaifu Toshiki, former Japanese Prime Minister and Toshihiro Nikai, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, sent congratulatory letters for the occasion.