Japanese builder and developer Sumitomo Forestry has unveiled designs for the world’s tallest timber skyscraper in the heart of Tokyo. Designed by Nikken Sekkei, the 350 meter tall wooden tower will form part of the W350 Project, a mixed-use environmentally friendly development that the firms aim to complete in 2041 to mark Sumitomo’s 350th anniversary. The company says these steel-and-timber structures will help “transform the city into a forest.” Early renderings of the W350 project show the timber buildings covered in greenery and filled with natural light as part of Sumitomo’s message of promoting a healthier living environment. The buildings will be built to withstand earthquakes and be constructed with a 9:1 ratio of wood to steel. The development’s skyscraper centerpiece with 450 thousand square meters total area will house a hotel, offices, retail and residences. When complete, it will not only be the tallest timber tower in the world but also the tallest building in Japan. W350 is estimated to need over 185 thousand cubic meters of wood and cost approximately US$ 5.6 billion. This would be enough for 8000 of the company’s built-to-order homes. While the building framework will be made of a hybrid timber-steel structure, the interior will feature exposed wood in an attempt to bring people closer to nature. Sumitomo Forestry will research wood-based materials that can withstand flames for three hours. The plans also include waterfalls and such fire-resistant plants on the exterior of the building. The company hopes that the project will popularize timber architecture and help jumpstart a revitalization of the forestry industry in rural areas and interest in reforestation.

One of Tokyo's most famous buildings the Nakagin Capsule Tower threatened with demolition. Designed by Kisho Kurokawa in 1972, it caught the world's attention with its minuscule living spaces for the country's single office workers. The striking tower, in Tokyo's Shimbashi district, even appeared as a Japanese love hotel in the 2013 blockbuster "The Wolverine" starring Hugh Jackman. But over the years, much of the once-modern building has fallen into disrepair. Around half of the 140 units are used as offices, art studios, and second homes, but just 20 are lived in full-time. Each of the 140 units in the tower contains a bed, a fold-out desk and a tiny bathroom; all squeezed in just 10 square meters. Rent for a capsule is around 60,000 yen (US $539) per month. The rooms feature a large round window and retro features such as clocks and sound systems, giving them the appearance of being suspended in a 1970s vision of the future. The building's dilapidated state does not make for an easy life. The capsules' asbestos insulation is deteriorating, so winters are cold, and summers can get very hot. Corroding pipes, water damage, and an uncertain future mean half the capsules have been left to rot by their owners, who would rather see the tower demolished and reap the profits of a brand new apartment building. The individual capsules were originally designed to be removed and replaced every 25 years, except that failed to happen. This isn't the first time that the building has faced the threat of demolition. Back in 2007, CTBUH reported similar findings, where the building's management actually approved plans to raze the tower. These plans eventually fell through and the building still stands today. While some owners are keen to restore the building, others feel demolition is the best route. Eighty percent of them need to agree on any changes, before a decision is made. Meanwhile, a crowd-funding project hopes to safeguard the future of the 13-story tower - that some see as a monument to Japanese architectural history. The campaign, known as the "Save The Nakagin Capsule Tower Campaign" aims to collect donations from people all over the world who love this capsule tower and use that money to buy the capsules one by one. But Japan, like many countries in Asia, often prefers the new to the old. Christian Dimmer, Professor of Urbanism at Tokyo University, told AFP news agency: "It is hard to raise public awareness about the preservation of historic buildings in Japan, where buildings are usually torn down and replaced after 30 years."

The world's tallest communications tower has been completed in central Tokyo following nearly four years of construction, reported The Telegraph. Tokyo Sky Tree, which measures 634 meters in height, was finished two months behind schedule following delays caused by last year's earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis. However, operators of Tokyo Sky Tree, which will operate as a communications tower for the nation's broadcasting networks, hope the timely completion of the tower just before the first anniversary of the disaster will help boost the nation's tourism industry, which was been hit hard over the past year. The tower, located in Sumida block in the Asakusa district, is not only the loftiest communications tower ever built, it is also the world's second tallest building, eclipsed only by the 828 meters Burj Khalifa in Dubai. More than 580 thousand workers were involved in the construction of the US$ 800 million structure, which was inspired by traditional Japanese architect and painted a shade of blue-tinged white called "aojiro". Tokyo Sky Tree is set to become an iconic addition to the city's urban skyline, overshadowing other landmarks such as the 1958 red and white Tokyo Tower, which was previously used as the main broadcasting tower and long regarded a symbol of country's rapid post-war development. Now the tower has been completed, and the operator plans to finish the interior for stores and other facilities with an eye to opening them to the public on May 22.

Tokyo Sky Tree is on target to be the tallest structure in Japan upon completion in the spring of 2012, reported constructiondigital. Located in the Narihirabashi/Oshiage part of the Sumida Ward of Tokyo, the Tokyo Sky Tree broadcasting tower will soar nearly 634 meters into the sky, making it one of the tallest in the world and an icon of Japan. Designed by Nikken Sekkei, the tower, which resembles a large tree, will serve as a hub for the country's digital terrestrial broadcasting network. Additionally, the structure features two observation decks and is designed to withstand Japan's frequent earthquakes as well as strong winds. Though many may see this as Japan's way of getting in the race for the world's tallest structure, the height of the Tokyo Sky Tree serves an important function-it improves the towers ability to send the broadcasting signals over the tall skyscrapers of Tokyo. The base of the tower resembles a tripod. The three 'legs' anchor the structure to the ground. As it rises, the structure begins to curve around a central tube into the sky. Observatory levels at 350 meters and 450 meters allow visitors to have panoramic views of the urban landscape. The lower level will feature restaurants and retail opportunities. Japan isn't a stranger to earthquakes and strong storms. As a result, architects must design structures with disaster prevention features to withstand movement from above and below. Taking inspiration from the traditional Japanese pagoda, the tower relies on a central column for stability. According to the architects, "this system counters swaying set in motion by earthquake tremors and strong winds, ensuring a safe and reliable structure." The Obayashi Corporation is serving as the general contractor on the Tokyo Sky Tree project.

Japan considers building an alternative capital to allay fears of another natural disaster, reported constructiondigital.com. The devastation and human tragedies following the March 9.0 earthquake off the coast of Japan was a wake up call to government officials, who share concerns over the vulnerability of Japan's capital to such an event. Enough concern, in fact, for the leading Democratic Party is considering plans to build a backup Tokyo, 400 kilometer to the southwest. This "Plan B" city would house the government and curb economic losses if disaster, natural or otherwise, destroyed Japan's largest city. The proposed city would house much more than just emergency government officials, however. The plans include office towers, resorts, residential complexes, and more. There is even a bid to build "the tallest tower in the world" in what has been named Integrated Resort, Tourism, Business, and Backup City. Tokyo is home to nearly 35 million people in the greater metro area, and many wonder how the proposed city, built for a mere population of 200 thousand , could possibly serve a backup function to Japan's thriving capital. The proposed site is currently home to the underused "Itami Airport", and stretches for more than 5 thousand square meters. Already the project has received approval by Naoto Kan, the former prime minister, as well as the former trade and industry minister Banri Kaieda. Officials claim that over 90 percent of the funds for the city will come from private industry. Nate Berg over at The Atlantic Cities wonders, though, why this or similar funding won't be used to better prepare the current capital, should the unthinkable happen.