THE Japanese lead the world in terms of gadgets and technology, but when it comes to regeneration they are keen to learn from Glasgow.

THE Japanese lead the world in terms of gadgets and technology, but when it comes to regeneration they are keen to learn from Glasgow.

A delegation of 14 business executives and researchers from Tokyo will arrive in Glasgow today to see how the city is successfully transforming the Clyde.

Later this week they will travel the river on powerboats to study the 200-plus projects helping reshape the environment and economy.

Among the highlights of the 13-mile tour will be the Squinty Bridge, the new BBC headquarters at Pacific Quay, the Science Centre, Partick's new railway interchange and Glasgow Harbour.

The delegates, from Japan's Waterfront Vitalisation and Environmental Research Centre, will also see the site of the £74million transport museum, which is expected to open in 2011.

They will also be given a presentation from Clyde Waterfront, the organisation behind the continuing transformation.

After picking up tips from Glasgow's changing riverside, the researchers - who are also visiting London, Dublin, Dover and Paris - will report back to Japan's leading waterfront developers.

What they learn will be used to influence river projects throughout Japan.

Glasgow's £5.6billion project to regenerate the Clyde from the city centre to Dumbarton will take another 15-20 years to complete.

Around one third of the projects, which it is hoped will create up to 50,000 jobs and 24,000 homes, are already under way.

Mark Barton, marketing manager of Clyde Waterfront, said: "The request by the Japanese delegation to see and learn from the regeneration of the Clyde underlines the international reputation of our project.

"It also shows what has already been achieved since its inception just a few years ago in terms of attracting new developers, high profile businesses and residents to the waterfront area."