About
In the middle of Tokyo Bay, about five kilometers offshore from Kawasaki City, a circular artificial island with a diameter of about 200 meters floats quietly on the sea. Its name is “Kaze no To” (Wind Tower). (tabi-mag.jp)
On this island, two towers, one large and one small, rise up. The large tower is 90 meters tall, and the small tower is 75 meters tall. Both have a 12-degree inclination, and their diagonally cut cylindrical design gives the impression of yacht sails billowing in the wind. (taisei-techsolu.jp)
This unique shape is not just for aesthetics. It is an aerodynamically based design that utilizes the north-south winds blowing through Tokyo Bay to create airflow between the two towers, thereby improving the ventilation efficiency inside the undersea tunnel. (taisei-techsolu.jp)
The exterior walls of the towers are decorated with stripes, 10 meters wide, in ultramarine blue and white. This is a measure to improve visibility from airplanes taking off and landing at Haneda Airport and from ships passing through Tokyo Bay. (taisei-techsolu.jp)
The Wind Tower is located at the center of the undersea tunnel section of the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line and plays an important role in replacing the air inside the tunnel. The large tower sends fresh air into the tunnel, while the small tower expels polluted air from the tunnel. (taisei-techsolu.jp)
This artificial island was used as a launching base for shield machines during tunnel construction, and after completion, it has been operating as a ventilation facility. (taisei-techsolu.jp)
Ordinary people cannot set foot on this island, but its unique appearance can be seen from ships sailing through Tokyo Bay or from the windows of airplanes taking off and landing at Haneda Airport. The Wind Tower blends into the scenery of Tokyo Bay, yet continues to assert its presence. (taisei-techsolu.jp)