The Japanese city was among the cities in northeastern Japan seriously damaged by the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011, with Fukushima suffering from nuclear meltdowns.

Promotional and rebuilding activities have taken place in Iwaki to help rebuild the local community, with the WBSC hoping their Under-15 World Cup will help aid the efforts.

The governing body have announced the addition of the weekend Food Festival to the list of attractions and entertainment taking place around the competition, which is set to take place from July 29 to August 7.

Dishes from each of the 12 competing nations will be part of the Festival, held on July 30 and 31, in an attempt to honour the countries and promote unity.

Fans and visitors will be able to experience food such as Japanese Sukiyaki, a beef platter, and South Korean Chijimi, pancakes, as well as American hot dogs and Mexican tacos.

During designated hours, A5 Japanese beef and shitake will be on offer.

Dishes will be priced at between 300 (£2/$2.80/€2.50) to 500 yen (£3.50/$4.70/€4.20) per menu item, with the food prepared using locally sourced ingredients.

Located at Iwaki's Spa Resort Hawaiians theme park, a Samoan "Fire Knife" ceremonial dance and Polynesian dance performances by the Hula Girls will also take place, while the city will be providing free shuttle buses to allow fans to soak up the atmosphere.

"WBSC commends the City of Iwaki, under Mayor Toshio Shimizu, and the Baseball Federation of Japan for the high level of coordination and event promotion leading to the U-15 Baseball World Cup 2016," Riccardo Fraccari, WBSC President, said.

"Iwaki's vision and implementation of not only showcasing our sport and the Baseball World Cup platform as a major international attraction but also as a vehicle to showcase and serve the Iwaki community is a true win-win."

The WBSC and Iwaki have aimed to focus of youth developing an international spirit ahead of the tournament, reflected by schools having been served Under-15 Baseball World Cup lunches in the build-up to the event.

Defending champions Cuba are to play against world number one ranked Japan in Group A of the tournament, with Australia, the Czech Republic and South Korea.

The United States, Mexico, Panama, Chinese Taipei, New Zealand and Venezuela will contest Group B, before the knock-out phase of the competition begins.

The WBSC hope that the international appeal and youth focus will boost their efforts for baseball and softball to be included on the sport programme for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

A joint bid from men's baseball and women's softball is one of five new sports set to be added to sport's biggest stage, along with karate, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing, subject to approval at the IOC Session in Rio de Janeiro next month.

All five have been given the green light by Tokyo 2020 and the IOC Executive Board and all are likely to be confirmed at the Session.