Tokyo returns to the world's architectural stage with this massive broadcasting tower, scheduled for completion in 2010. It will rise above what was the Tobu Railway Company's rail yard in Sumida. Discussions about a new broadcast tower have been ongoing for years, but it wasn't until 2006 that Tokyo's major broadcasting companies and the national broadcaster, NHK, agreed on this plan.

This tower will carry antennae for Tokyo radio and television stations, which are currently at the top of Tokyo Tower. However, Tokyo Tower is quickly being surrounded by massive skyscrapers which cause mutltipath and other problems with analog signals. The new tower will allow the broadcasters to locate their transmitters at a higher point to alleviate the congestion. As part of the move to the new tower, the broadcasters will abandon their analog facilities and move to pure digital operation.