Japan is planning to use Pokemon Go to boost tourism in its disaster-struck regions.

Officials from several areas affected by natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis are said to be discussing different ways of using the game to attract visitors to the region.

There has already been substantial funds set aside to promote the game according to reports and there are even proposals to make parts of the game exclusive to Japan for a limited time.

Fukushima was heavily affected by a nuclear disaster that resulted from an earthquake in 2011

This map shows the four regions, highlighted in red, that are proposing to use Pokemon Go to attract tourists

Rocketnews24 reported that officials from Tohoku's Fukushima, Miyagi and Iwate prefectures and the Kumamoto prefecture on Kyushu have all raised proposals about the ways in which the game could be used for tourism purposes.

Many of these involve increasing the number of Gyms and Pokestops, both elements of the game that players must visit to interact with.

Miyagi prefecture is said to have secured 30million Yen (£217,389) in funding, which will be used in conjunction with Pokemon Go.

The funding forms part of the Great East Japan Earthquake reconstruction policy, which targets the Tohoku region.

Part of the plan is to make four regions-specific Pokemon characters available in the disaster struck regions. Above, Mr Mime (left) and Farfetch'd (right)

It's thought that some Pokemon character can only be found in certain parts of the world. Above, Tauros (left) and Kangaskhan (right)

DISASTER STRUCK REGIONS INVOLVED IN THE PROPOSAL The four prefectures involved in the proposal to use Pokemon Go to attract tourists are Tohoku's Fukushima, Miyagi and Iwate prefectures and the Kumamoto prefecture on Kyushu. Tohoku was affected by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake in March 2011 - the most powerful to ever be recorded in Japan. The earthquake caused a major tsunami to hit Miyagi and Iwate. The tsunami also hit Fukushima and eventually led to the disaster at its nuclear power plant. A total of 15,891 people died as a result of the earthquake. In April this year, Kumamoto was affected by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. The disaster killed 72 people and left thousands injured. Advertisement

Tohoku was affected by Japan's biggest ever earthquake and subsequent tsunamis in March 2011 and has been struggling since.

Half of the 30million Yen set aside will be used to promote local Pokestops, where players can collect items to help them in their quest in the game.

The promotion will include the use of pamphlets as well as advertisements on TV.

Another 10million Yen (£72,463) of the budget will be used to host special Pokemon Go events held across the four prefectures involved in the discussions.

The final 5million Yen (£36,231) will be used by Niantic, the maker of the game, for 'system improvement'.

Miyagi officials are also said to have sent a proposal to Niantic to request that the region has exclusive characters for the disaster affected region for a limited period.

The characters Tauros, Kangaskhan, Mr. Mime and Farfetch'd are thought to be found only in some regions of the world according to Eurogamer.

It is hoped that these might be made available in the four prefectures to encourage locals and international visitors to travel to the region.