A feudal castle in Japan is to join the line-up of world sites going green this St Patrick's Day.

Matsue Castle in Shimane prefecture is to turn green for the first time as part of the Tourism Ireland initiative.

This has been arranged in conjunction with the Irish embassy in Tokyo.

This year also marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Ireland.

Brian Ambrose, chairman of Tourism Ireland (left), then-Tourism Minister Paschal Donohoe (centre) and Tourism Ireland CEO Niall Gibbons at the launch of the 2016 Global Greening initiative | Image: Tourism Ireland

The unique global campaign is now in its eighth year.

It sees a host of major landmarks around the world turn green for March 17th.

In the past these have included the London Eye, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Burj al Arab in Dubai, the 'Welcome' sign in Las Vegas, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro and the Great Wall of China.

While a number of new landmarks have signed up to take part this year.

Full details of this year's Global Greening are to be announced from Thursday morning.