TOKYO, JAPAN: A set of three traditional Japanese items await representatives of countries and the press attending the upcoming Group of Eight summit in Hokkaido.

The items are a furoshiki wrapping cloth, chopsticks and a fan.

As environmental issues, including measures to fight global warming, are scheduled to become the main topic for debate at the G-8 summit talks to be held in Toyakocho in July, the government hopes to present an image of Japan as a country that is environmentally conscious by giving away items that can be used repeatedly and are environmentally friendly, sources said.

Giving participants souvenirs that reflect the culture of a host country has become a custom of the meetings. (The Yomiuri Shimbun/ AsiaNews)