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TOKYO ALBUM > Tokyo Photo News > Tokyo Photo News backnumbers > Tokyo Photo News 2012 > Tokyo Photo News April 2012
New havens of relaxation open in Ueno Park
Two open-air cafes began operations in the newly completed Takenodai Plaza section of Ueno Park on April 18. Based on the Basic Plan for the Revitalization of Ueno Park, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has been upgrading this area since fiscal 2009 to serve as the focal point in the park's role as a Bunka-no-Mori (cultural forest). After savoring the atmosphere of the park, why not relax at one of these cafes?
Photo: Visitors relaxing at the cafe under the new green leaves of spring (April 25)
Tokyo Gate Bridge lights up the night
Tokyo Gate Bridge, which has become a new Tokyo landmark since opening in February, is now illuminated at night. The bridge trusses are fitted with low-energy lighting that bathes them in white light; the 886 light-emitting diode lamps placed along the deck are now green but will change color according to the season.
Photo: Tokyo Gate Bridge as viewed from Wakasu Kaihin Koen Park (April 25)
Just 500 days to the host city selection
On April 26, a commemorative event was held at the newly opened Shibuya Hikarie shopping/ entertainment/ business complex to mark 500 days until the selection of the host city for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Facility visitors were provided with cherry blossom petal?shaped paper to write messages about the Olympics, which were then posted on the back panel of a stage. Five former Olympians were then brought on stage where they spoke passionately about their Olympic experiences.
Photo: From left: Ai Shibata (swimming), Junichi Miyashita (swimming), Mikako Kotani (synchronized swimming), Kana Oyama (volleyball) and Ikue Teshigawara (short-track speed skating) (April 26)
Counterterrorism drill at Tokyo Skytree Town
On April 30, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Sumida Ward jointly hosted a large-scale counterterrorism drill at Tokyo Skytree Town in preparation for its May 22 opening. The drill was based on a scenario of toxic chemicals being released on the tower's observation deck (350 meters above ground). About 2,000 people participated in the drill, including local residents and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the Tokyo Fire Department .
Photo: Counterterrorism drill on the Tokyo Skytree observation deck (April 25)
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