Construction of new Tokyo tower starts

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Construction of new Tokyo tower starts

A ceremony was held on July 14 to mark the beginning of construction of the 600-meter Tokyo Sky Tree in Sumida Ward in Tokyo

However, various questions have been raised about the construction of the radio and TV transmission tower. Some people are questioning if it is appropriate to build such a high-rise tower at a time when cutting greenhouse gas emissions is an urgent international task.

Other people say the construction will deprive some residents of sunlight, cause damage from strong winds, and affect the environment in general since high-rise apartment buildings and office buildings are being built.

The planned construction of major commercial buildings at a six-hector area around the new tower is believed to have adverse effects on the local shopping district.

Experts say traffic jams and car accidents will likely increase. Since the construction area has soft ground, concerns over major earthquakes have also been raised.

Among about 700 residents who have responded to a survey conducted by Japanese Communist Party Sumida Ward Assembly members, only 29 percent expressed support for the plan. Forty-three percent of the respondents expressed opposition to the Ward’s plan to use 10.5 billion yen to construct roads and facilities around the new tower. - Akahata, July 17, 2008