On The Scene//Tokyo Sky Tree
If you live in Japan, especially
Tokyo, you can’t fail to have noticed a large metallic presence on the skyline.
It’s on almost every commercial, in the background in all the best (and worst)
television drama’s and has a whole host of merchandise both expected and
entirely unexpected connected to it. Yes, it’s the monster construct that is
Tokyo Sky Tree. In sheer terms of ambition and scale it’s large metallic finger
on the skyline to other nations with similar structures and if anywhere
deserves the tallest building it’s undoubtedly Tokyo
Its position on the skyline has
forced the printing of new postcards, renewed greetings cards campaigns,
additions to oil paintings and a new appreciation of the initially silly
sounding name. Its television campaigns would have you believe it’s a place of
mystery, where the cool and chic come together and dig big metal trees over
expensive coffee and small biscuits. But despite my cynicism there were
certainly many people when we visited and although we elected not to stand in
the extreme heat of the day for seventy minutes just to get tickets to go on
the viewing deck we did check out the rest of the building.
But what about the actual
building then? Well, if you like good views of the city and a never ending maze
of shops then it’s heaven but as with anything in Tokyo there is an
overwhelming sense of busyness that makes the Olympics in London look like a
small crowd and if you’re not used to being squashed in a crowd then you’ll be
running for the much quieter and somewhat pointless in location terms
Omotesando Hills. But in terms of
economic scale and development it shows just what Japan can do even in times
when money is supposedly short. With so many people visiting it’s a boost for
the area and makes the oft considered tourist district that bit more modern and
hip.
On The Scene//Tokyo Sky Tree
Granted it’s a very good view of
the sprawling metropolis that is Tokyo and likely to be one that gains an iconic
status more than it already is but if there is one thing you can be sure of in
Tokyo apart from crowds and lots of vending machines it’s the national hobby
that brings he people to the legendary crowds. That is, shopping! Yes, the
bottom floors of the 634 meter tall building are filled with shops and
restaurants of unmatched variety including a dedicated Sky Tree Shop named
somewhat cheekily OneTwoTree! And the
much celebrated Ultraman emporium selling goods dedicated to the all action
icon. Of course, there are much more sensible shops as well but in the blur of
the day that’s all we can recall for now!
As for the iconic status of the
construct it seems to be already sealed with the aforementioned merchandise and
media coverage taking to it like ducks to the proverbial water. The Asahi TV
live broadcast of the recent Sumidagawa Fireworks from the heights of the tower
certainly proved that the viewing deck is more than just a photographer’s
paradise. It’s a key chain, a pin badge, a beer glass, an omiage box of
cookies, a shaped milkshake cup and much more! Indeed, it’s put the once iconic
Tokyo Tower into the shade. Who’d have thought that something could do that?
Bets are on the location of the
next higher tower in the city!
Words by Sebastian Gahan. Image by Scattershot Photography (c) 2012.
