through the sky like in a Miyazaki film or maybe just a really big tree reaching out

toward the heavens?

While both of those would be pretty cool, the skytree we're referring to is actually

located in Tokyo and at a staggering 634 meters, it became the tallest tower in the world when

construction was completed in March of 2011.

In addition to the unique rounding of the tower's upright structure from a triangular

base to a circular top, the tower uses a central pillar of reinforced concrete which acts as

a seismic dampener and can absorb up to 50% of the energy from an earthquake. The central

pillar is attached to the outer part of the tower starting 125 meters above the ground

via a series of oil dampeners.

While this tech is quite novel, it's far from being a new technology. Wooden structures

supported using a large central pillar have been around since the 6th century. Dendrochronological

analysis have shown that the central pillar at the 'five story pagoda' in Nara was felled

in the year 594. Yes, that's right, parts of that 32.45 meter structure are more than

1,400 years old!

So why was the name 'Tokyo Skytree' chosen for broadcast tower and tourist magnet? For

two months in 2007 names were collected from the general public and narrowed down to six

finalists by committee. Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Edo Tower, Rising Tower, Tower of the Future,

Dream Lookout and Rising East Tower were put to a nationwide vote and the result was announced

in 2008. Tokyo Skytree won out with 30% of the 110,000 votes beating out Tokyo Edo Tower

as the number two favorite.

While Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in the world, it still holds the number two spot

behind the Berj Kalifa which is the tallest manmade structure in the world at a staggering

829.8 meters and who knows how long even that goliath will remain at the top of the list.

If the proposed Kingdom Tower ever reaches completion, it will tower over the Saudi Arabian

landscape at over 1,000 meters. With a completion date of 2019, we've still got some time to

wait however. Until then, you can fight the estimated 25 million annual visitors and head

up to one of Tokyo Skytree's two observation decks located 350 and 450 meters above the

ground.

Thanks for watching this episode of The Japan Show, if you have any questions or suggestions

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