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In the Ariake area, where the sea breeze from Tokyo Bay gently blows, a particularly eye-catching structure stands tall. It is the chimney of the Ariake Waste Incineration Plant, and at night, fantastical points of light trace circles and lines, marking the passage of time like a giant clock. This chimney reaches a height of 140 meters and stands out as a landmark in Tokyo’s bay area. (withnews.jp)
The design of this chimney features a circular part representing the hour hand and a vertical line representing the minute hand, with points of light moving to indicate the time. However, at first glance, reading the time is difficult, and even nearby residents find it hard to tell the exact time. This unique clock has been in place since the plant was completed in 1995, and for nearly 30 years, it has continued to mark time in the sky over Ariake. (withnews.jp)
The Ariake Waste Incineration Plant is a facility responsible for incinerating general waste from Tokyo’s 23 wards, and it uses the heat energy generated during incineration to produce electricity. This electricity is not only used within the plant but any surplus is sold to power companies, contributing to the region’s energy supply. Furthermore, steam is supplied to local district heating and cooling companies, and high-temperature water is provided as a heat source to the Koto-ku Ariake Sports Center, playing an important role as part of the area’s infrastructure. (suzukiayako.com)
The plant also regularly holds tours, offering local residents and students opportunities to learn about the role of the waste incineration plant and the current state of waste processing. After watching an introductory video about the plant, visitors are guided by staff through the facility, where they can observe the actual processing steps up close. This helps deepen their understanding of environmental issues and the importance of recycling. (union.tokyo23-seisou.lg.jp)
The Ariake Waste Incineration Plant is not merely a waste processing facility; it fulfills multiple roles as a base for regional energy supply and environmental education. The points of light shining on its chimney, as if symbolizing the harmony between urban activity and environmental conservation, continue quietly marking the passage of time today.