Japan's tallest structure, the Tokyo Sky Tree tower under construction in Sumida Ward, will be illuminated for about three hours in a test next Wednesday, the only such trial before its scheduled completion in spring 2012.
The illumination of the new communications tower, which was 478 meters tall as of Saturday, will be held from around 6:30 p.m.
The event is designed to test the performance of 50 light-emitting diode bulbs to be installed on the ground, 160-meter and 335-meter levels of the tower. The bulbs are made by Panasonic Electric Works Co.
The tower will be lit up in light blue to depict the "Edo spirit" and purple to symbolize "miyabi," one of the traditional Japanese aesthetic ideals. After the tower is completed, it will be lit up in each color every other day using 2,000 LED bulbs.
"I want to see the illuminated tower," said Masao Kobayashi, a 68-year-old who manages a stamp company near the tower. "It will be a different night view from before. I think our town will be even more attractive."
Tower operator Tobu Tower Sky Tree Co. said, "The illumination is not intended to be a show, but given that visitors are expected on the day, we want to make sure we take sufficient precautions for their safety."
