Japan has found a way to harness clean energy from thousands of stamping feet that pass through one of its busiest train stations every day.

Panels that generate energy from vibrations have been laid by ticket gates through which up to 80,000 passengers pass every day at Tokyo station.

In theory, the system consisting of slates, rubber sheets and ceramics can generate enough energy to power automatic ticket gates or electric billboards at the station.

"This experiment is one of our ideas to help the environment," said a spokesman for the joint venture between Japan East Railway and a government-backed group that began testing the system on Wednesday.

Japan has tried to project itself as a leader in the fight against global warming, but it is far behind in meeting its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol -- a landmark environmental treaty negotiated in Japan's ancient capital that mandates cuts in the gases blamed for global warming.