Design Concept

- To not only be the world's highest, but the world's most striking in appearance and affinity -

"To Be a New Symbol of Tradition and the Cutting Edge"

The foot of the new tower is shaped as a triangle. The number "3" is the smallest unit that can provide stability as exemplified by tripods. That rational shape minimizes any sense of over-bearing and the impact of shadows on the surroundings. The shape was also chosen because it is symbolic of the triangular crisscrossing in the area of the Sumidagawa (Sumida River), Arakawa (Ara River) and the east-west axis of traffic.

In addition, concerning the silhouette, the "sori" (concave curves) and "mukuri" (convex curves) seen in traditional Japanese architecture, etc. were the images in mind. The smooth curves that changes from the top towards the foot of the tower give the tower a dignified poise and an elegant air to it.
Furthermore, as you move up from the foot to the top of the tower, the base form changes from triangular to circular. The varied appearances that the tower will have depending on the angle or place from which the tower is seen also makes this a landmark full of originality that is unlike anything found in any other city around the world.
This new tower has been born based on the traditional sense of beauty and utilizing the advanced technology of Japan. The new tower will create a new landscape that goes beyond space and time as a new symbol of tradition and the cutting edge.

"To Be the Gate to Urban Revitalization"

To create, connect and spread new life into this area where traditional Edo culture continues to live. The foot of the new tower is arched and shaped like three open gates. In addition, there will be two observatories - one 350m above ground and another 450m above ground. Restaurants, stores and other facilities are also planned for the 350m section to offer gourmet food and other pleasures while enjoying a commanding view of Kanto.

Plans are to set up a sky walkway covered in glass around the observatory lobby at an altitude of 450m, enabling the world's highest walk to be enjoyed.

Moreover, a bustling complex with character distinctive of a shitamachi (the traditional name for the area of Tokyo extending from Taito, Chiyoda and Chuo Wards east of the Sumida River where many merchants, craftsmen, etc. reside) is being planned in the area surrounding the new tower to create an environment enjoyable for everyone - irrespective of age or gender or nationality.

"To Be a Tower Watching Over Safety and Security"

The new tower has been positioned as the core facility for the new digital broadcasting era and has the social duty to serve as the lifeline of the information infrastructure in times of disaster. Everything from structural form to construction techniques will involve the all-out mobilization of people with experience and expertise in state-of-the-art technology as well as traditional techniques.

In addition, the new tower is aim to be a long-life structure that accounts for renovations, updating and other lifecycles and, at the same time, will contribute to the development of a center that satisfies the disaster prevention plans promoted by the area through being equipped with disaster prevention features.

The five-story pagoda, representative of architectural techniques specific to Japan, is structured in a way that each floor is independent with a central pillar at the core. This structure and resulting interaction between the pagoda floors is said to help minimize the size of tremors in the event of an earthquake or during strong winds. The structural system of the new tower will recreate this five-story pagoda damping system using the latest technology.