Japan sends in experts to rescue world's bedraggled bonsais

Tokyo has targeted some 40 traditional gardens in need of immediate repair, with a team set to travel to Romania and the US

Tokyo plans to send green-fingered experts to every corner of the world on a mission to spruce up Japanese-style gardens that have fallen into disrepair.

There are about 500 traditional gardens across the globe - from France to the US, Thailand and Argentina - with dozens in dire need of help after years of neglect, Japan's land ministry said.