Tokyo Sky Tree recognised by Guinness as world's tallest tower

Tokyo: The Tokyo Sky Tree, a 634-metre TV tower located here, has been recognised as the world's tallest tower by the Guinness World Records.

At a ceremony held yesterday, Alistair Richards, managing director of Guinness World Records, personally handed the certificate to Michiaki Suzuki, president of Tobu Tower Sky Tree Company, Kyodo news agency reported.

"One of the purposes of the tower construction is to let the world learn about Japanese culture and technology, and the allure of a downtown area of Tokyo.

The (Guinness) recognition gives us great strength (while we strive for that goal)," Suzuki said.

Tokyo Sky Tree has replaced the 600-metre Canton Tower in Guangzhou, China as the world's tallest tower.

Located in a downtown district of the Japanese capital's Sumida Ward, it will be opened to the public in May next year.

The 828-metre Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai is recognised by Guinness as the world's tallest structure.