Yes, we’re all sick of the overhyped Expo in Shanghai. And at first glance, the fact that Kikoman, the soya sauce giant, is the culinary sponsor and main force behind the restaurant Murasaki at the Japanese Pavililion at Expo 2010 in Shanghai hardly seems noteworthy — let along inspiring. But read the fine print and you’ll see potential for some serious culinary fireworks: Three kitchen giants from Kyoto – Kikunoi, Tankuma Kitamise and Uosaburo – who are all specialists in kaiseki ryori, the traditional Japanese fine-dining that is regarded as the highest form of cuisine in that country, will be cooking at the restaurant, serving only five private rooms each night and dishing out exquisite and matriculate creations. Bookings are said to be extremely tight and prices are high: It’ll cost 3,000 RMB per person (US$440) to sit at one of these tables.

Photo: The Japanese pavilion http://shownbylocals.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/japan_pavilion_expo_2010_shanghai.jpg