This undated photo shows the Tokyo Skytree illuminated in three designs. From left, the iki design has a Sumida River theme, miyabi is lit up in Edo purple, and nobori projects an image of festivity. (PHOTO / THE JAPAN NEWS)

TOKYO - In the lead-up to the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, Tokyo Skytree’s lighting designs have been upgraded with additional lighting equipment allowing the 634-meter landmark to be lit up entirely and become even more dynamic.

According to its operator Tobu Tower Skytree Co, the tower in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, is lit daily with one of three alternating patterns taking the spotlight each day. The “iki” pattern is represented in blue with the motif of the water of the Sumida River; “miyabi” features Edo purple, a symbolic color for Edo, present-day Tokyo; and the “nobori” pattern is based on a festival flag.

With the additional lighting equipment, the 634-meter landmark can now be lit up entirely

Despite their colorful designs, no lights were initially installed at about 150 meters high and 250 meters high, making the tower’s dark areas conspicuous.

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The company then carried out construction to install additional light-emitting diode (LED) lights from May last year to this February. The entire tower now shines brighter with 347 newly installed lighting units, bringing the total number of units to 2,362.

In addition, the lighting patterns have been embellished with vivid features. In iki, white light moves around like bubbles in pale blue light or falls like a waterfall. Miyabi projects an image in which a robe of feathers flies with lights in Edo purple going up in spirals, while nobori depicts a scene in which a streamer lit up in orange flutters in the breeze.

Tokyo Skytree is closed temporarily through March 15 due to the coronavirus outbreak. 

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