Among its highlights are Tokyu Hands (Takashimaya Times Square, 5-24-2 Sendagaya), a department store that sells everything you could ever need, and plenty of stuff you had no idea even existed (electrically heated pilllows anyone?).

CNN: Tokyo: Where to shop

Critics of the sectoral approach point out that however efficient industries might be, it does not help the climate if inventors keep dreaming up new ways to use energy - like Japan's electrically heated, stereophonic, bottom-washing toilets.

BBC: Japan waits on US for CO2 targets

Compared to the early polar explorers of the 1900s, Fiennes's team will benefit from some innovative equipment, including boots with electrically-heated insoles, battery-powered heated clothing, radar to spot dangerous crevasse fields and a specially designed breathing apparatus to enable them to survive at temperatures that will regularly reach -70 degrees Celsius and perhaps even lower.

CNN: Veteran explorer sets off on 'The Coldest Journey'