A transmission tower in Tokyo has become the world's tallest freestanding broadcast structure, its owners said today.

The company managing the Tokyo Sky Tree project said the structure surpassed another tower in China by reaching 601m.

Tobu Tower Sky Tree Co says it will stand 634m when it is completed later this year.

Japan's six top broadcasters are building the tower, which is expected to bolster television and radio transmissions in the capital region.

It will also house shops, restaurants and other entertainment and is expected to become a new tourist destination in Tokyo.

The Canton Tower in China's south-western city of Guangzhou claimed the previous tallest-broadcaster record at 600m.

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