Impressive Japanese Clocks

Above, the Cosmo Clock 21 in Yokohama. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the best characteristics of the Japanese people is their penchant for punctuality. Perhaps this characteristic is the reason why they have such impressive clocks.

The three Japanese clocks that are the most impressive I've seen are the Cosmo World Ferris Wheel digital clock in Yokohama, the clock tower of the Wako Department Store in Ginza and the Seiko clock at the Yurakucho Mullion in Tokyo.

The Cosmo World Ferris Wheel was once the world's biggest Ferris Wheel. While the Ferris Wheel is no longer the world's biggest, the Cosmo Clock 21 on it is the world's largest clock at 369 feet tall. The Ferris Wheel and clock were demolished during a battle between Godzilla, Mothra and Battra in Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992).

Above, the Wako Dept. Store's clock tower in Ginza. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Wako Department Store's clock is not the world's biggest or anywhere close to it, but it is iconic in that it is a well-known landmark in Tokyo. It is also iconic as it was featured, and demolished by Godzilla, in Godzilla (1954).

Above, the Yurakucho Mullion clock next to a "Space Battleship Yamato" poster. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The clock at the Yurakucho Mullion Building in Tokyo isn't the biggest either, but it is impressive as it opens up every half hour and animatronic dancing dolls come out to provide passersby musical shows. The clock is a favorite meeting place for people in the Ginza-Hibiya-Yurakucho area.

Although the Yurakucho Mullion Building was featured (and damaged) in Return of Godzilla (1984), the clock did not make an appearance in the movie.

All three locations/landmarks are covered in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.