Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on Thursday visited Tokyo Sky Tree, the world's tallest self-standing tower, prior to its grand opening in late May.
The imperial couple went up to the second deck, 450 meters above ground level, and enjoyed the vast sight of Tokyo after receiving an explanation about the 634-meter tower from Yoshizumi Nezu, president of the tower operator's parent company, Tobu Railway Co.
The emperor talked with an official in charge of construction and said, ''You must have deeply worried (about the tower) when the earthquake occurred,'' referring to the magnitude 9.0 quake that heavily shook eastern Japan including the metropolitan area last March when the tower was under construction.
Tokyo Sky Tree in Sumida Ward will open May 22 to the public and is drawing nationwide attention as Tokyo's newest tourist attraction.
The operator Tobu Tower Sky Tree Co. initially invited the emperor in March, but his visit was postponed following heart bypass surgery he underwent in February, the Imperial Household Agency said.
The 78-year-old emperor's father Emperor Hirohito, posthumously known as Emperor Showa, visited Tokyo Tower in 1962 after its opening in 1958 with his wife Empress Nagako, posthumously known as Empress Kojun.
==Kyodo
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