It used to be that pouring cash into public works projects was deemed the best way to kick-start an ailing economy. Those days are long gone. Now the government is more bent on cutting spending to ease the bloated national debt.
In its quest for other ways to stimulate the economy, the government has been looking for ways for Japan to play host to major global gatherings, which not only provide economic ripple effects via the thousands who participate but also serve to burnish the nation's image.
Following is a look at the impact of international conventions and strategies for hosting them: