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Japan opens world's tallest tower

A man takes photos of the Tokyo Skytree on opening day in Tokyo, Japan, on May 22, 2012. The 634 meter-high (2080 feet) Tokyo Skytree was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the tallest free-standing broadcasting tower. UPI/Keizo Mori

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Published: May 23, 2012 at 10:41 AM

TOKYO, May 23 (UPI) -- It took nearly four years but Tokyo's new landmark, Tokyo Skytree, has finally opened to the public, Japanese officials said.

Claiming the title of world's tallest tower, the structure measures 2,080 feet or 0.39 mile, The Yomiuri Shimbun reported Wednesday.

Another claim to fame is the tower's survival of the eastern Japan earthquake March 11, 2011. The structure, which relays television and radio broadcast signals, was not damaged by the quake and became a symbol of hope to many in Japan.

Tokyo Skytree is expected to help Japan attract more overseas tourists and draw huge crowds to the heart of Tokyo.

A crowd was on hand for the official opening Tuesday.

The first visitor to reach the 1,100-foot high observation deck was Ayumi Nakazawa, who was chosen for the honor through a nationwide contest to name the tower.

Nakazawa was among more than 32,000 people who favored the name Tokyo Skytree.

© 2012 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Any reproduction, republication, redistribution and/or modification of any UPI content is expressly prohibited without UPI's prior written consent.

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