Japan's tallest building will open Friday in Osaka, as Asia's third-biggest metropolitan economy aims to lure tourists and stem businesses from moving to Tokyo.
Kintetsu Corp., one of the main railways in western Japan, spent ¥130 billion and four years constructing the 300-meter Abeno Harukas skyscraper, according to the Osaka-based company. It will surpass the 296-meter Landmark Tower in Yokohama.
The new 60-floor complex, which includes a Marriott International Inc. hotel, and a separate proposal for a ¥500 billion casino resort are the latest attempts to bolster the city's economy. Rather than tall towers, the metropolitan area of 11 million people may need business zones with fewer regulations, according to Rakuten Securities Economic Research Institute.