Global General

Special

Newsmaker

Asia Pacific

America

Middle East

Europe

Africa

At 50, Tokyo Tower basks in fading glory

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-12-23 07:46

A symbol of Japan's post-war economic miracle, a favored backdrop for film directors and a romantic spot for young lovers: the Tokyo Tower, one of the city's most beloved landmarks, turns 50 today.

Modeled on Paris' Eiffel Tower, but painted in orange and white, the world's tallest self-supporting steel structure has attracted 156 million visitors since it opened on December 23, 1958.

And while thousands still visit the imposing 333-meter landmark every day, after five decades beaming radio and television across the capital, the tower has been overtaken by technology and the rising city around it. By 2012, the new 610-meter Tokyo Sky Tree tower is to take over broadcasts from the Tokyo Tower.

But still the tower has a special place in the hearts of Tokyo's residents. Popular economist Takuro Morinaga described the structure as a symbol of technology, growth and wealth. "The Tokyo Tower meant that we were getting richer and closer to Europe and America," said Morinaga.

Today, some 20 buildings rise above 200 meters in Tokyo's clustered business areas. But while some have expressed concern about the tower's future, its operators insist the structure is here to stay.

"We are not considering scrapping the tower at all," said planning director Masahiro Kawada. "We take it upon ourselves to go on for 50 more years."