Today’s press conference was supposed to show off the lighting design of the Tokyo Sky Tree Tower, but that’s not what’s getting everyone’s attention. The building is going to be an additional 78 feet tall, making it the tallest structure--not in the world--but at least in East Asia.

[Kinya Miyasugi, President, Tobu Tower Skytree]:
"We have decided that the final height of the tower will be 634 meters."

With the tower rising to 2080 feet, it will be nearly twice as high as the Eiffel Tower in Paris and taller than the previous record-holder in East Asia, the Taipei 101 building.

But it will not be as tall as the 2683-foot high Burj Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

The builders say they hope the soaring structure will help lift the nation out of its current economic doldrums.

[Kinya Miyasugi, President, Tobu Tower Skytree]:
"As I'm sure you're well aware, ever since the financial crisis Japan's economy has gone downhill and many projects have been stopped or had their timeline extended. In the midst of this, we hope to make a project that is both uplifting and allows Japan to show its culture."

Construction began last year on the massive tower, which already towers over the old Tokyo downtown district bordering the Sumida River. Already over 500 feet tall, it's a tourist attraction and local landmark.

The tower is expected to be finished December of 2011.