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G8:THE LAST time Japan hosted a G8 conference, it shot itself in the foot by throwing one of the most expensive parties in history just as the rich countries struggled over debt relief to Africa.

All the signs are that the host nation will again be limping away from this year's event. Okinawa 2000 cost Tokyo a staggering $750 million (€480 million), by some margin the most expensive G8 ever. Hokkaido so far has cost a reported $500 million (€320 million) though the final tally is likely to be higher.