Japan is to waive visa charges for visitors who also attend the six-month World Exposition, the international showcase of technology and innovation which opens next month in central Aichi prefecture.

　　Japan said short-term, non-employment visas issued from this Friday to September 25, the last day of the World Expo, would be free if the trip included a visit to the event.

　　The exemption "is expected to promote visits from overseas, especially from neighboring Asian countries," a foreign ministry statement said.

　　Japan generally charges 3,000 yen (29 dollars) for a single-entry visa and 6,000 yen for a double-entry or multiple-entry visa.

　　Japan already allows nationals of 58 countries to enter without visas and is exceptionally exempting South Korean and Taiwanese tourists to encourage them to visit the World Expo, which opens March 25.

　　Japan hopes 15 million people will visit the World Expo, which will include displays by 122 countries with the main theme of making technology friendly to the environment.