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2026-02-24 · Ep 1996 · 18m

Tokyo Skytree Elevator Disaster Explained

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Summary

---episode: 1988 title: Tokyo Skytree Elevator Disaster Explained date: 2026-02-24 youtube_id: NRv6hutvduI duration_seconds: 1087 channel: Only in Japan Go type: video_summary people:

  • John Daub
  • Keanu Reeves
  • Walter
  • Nightshade
  • WRX Turbos
  • Joy
  • Okuda-san
  • Leo
  • John's Wife places:
  • Japan
  • Tokyo
  • Sumida Ward
  • Oshiage
  • Shizuoka Prefecture
  • Austria
  • California
  • England
  • Izu Peninsula
  • Nara
  • Gifu
  • Amsterdam prefecture:
  • Shizuoka
  • Gifu
  • Tokyo city:
  • Tokyo
  • Kawazu
  • Nara neighborhood:
  • Oshiage
  • Sumida Ward transport:
  • Elevator
  • Hanzomon Line
  • Asakusa Line
  • Tobu Line
  • Yakatabune season: Winter topics:
  • Tokyo Skytree Incident
  • Elevator Safety
  • Cherry Blossom Forecast
  • Tokyo Marathon
  • Strawberry Varieties
  • Tourist Attractions
  • Rescue Operations
  • Japan News food:
  • Bijin Hime strawberries
  • Okonomiyaki japanese_terms:
  • Tokyo Skytree: 東京スカイツリー
  • Sumida Ward: 墨田区
  • Kawazu sakura: 河津桜
  • Izu Peninsula: 伊豆半島
  • mankai: 満開
  • Yoshino cherry trees: ソメイヨシノ
  • Bijin Hime strawberries: 美女姫いちご
  • Ichigo Sakura: いちご桜
  • Yakatabune: 屋形船
  • Matane: またね tags:
  • tokyo-skytree
  • elevator-incident
  • john-daub
  • only-in-japan
  • japan-travel
  • cherry-blossoms
  • tokyo-marathon
  • safety-first
  • japan-news
  • sumida-ward
  • strawberry-season
  • rescue-operation
  • tourist-trap
  • japan-culture locations:
  • Tokyo Skytree
  • Solamachi mall
  • Yasukuni Shrine
  • Kawazu
  • Izu Peninsula
  • Nara
  • Gifu

Tokyo Skytree Elevator Disaster Explained

Overview

This video addresses a recent incident at the Tokyo Skytree (東京スカイツリー), where an elevator carrying 20 passengers became trapped approximately 30 meters above the ground. The event occurred on Sunday evening, leading to a dramatic rescue operation that lasted five and a half hours, concluding around 2:00 AM. John Daub explains the details of the entrapment, the closure of the tower for safety inspections on February 23rd and 24th, and the procedure used by rescue workers to transfer passengers via a metal plate between adjacent elevator cars.

John provides context on the safety standards of Japanese elevators, noting this is the first incident since the tower opened in 2012. He shares personal memories of visiting the Skytree, including family dates and filming episodes on earthquake stabilization. The discussion expands to current events in Tokyo, including the blooming Kawazu sakura (河津桜) on the Izu Peninsula, the upcoming Tokyo Marathon, and the seasonal availability of Bijin Hime strawberries (美女姫いちご) from Gifu.

The video serves as both a news explanation and a travel update, reassuring viewers that the Skytree remains a safe attraction despite this rare mechanical failure. John highlights the community aspect of his channel, wishing birthday greetings to viewers and discussing the cherry blossom forecast for late March. He emphasizes the importance of safety checks and expresses support for the tower operators while planning his own visit post-marathon.

Highlights

  • 00:00 John introduces the scary news about the Tokyo Skytree elevator entrapment incident.
  • 01:39 Details on the temporary closure and refunds for February 23rd and 24th.
  • 03:18 NHK World report: 20 passengers trapped for over five hours near the ground.
  • 04:57 Dramatic rescue description: transferring passengers via metal plate between elevators.
  • 06:36 Visitor reactions: disappointment from tourists celebrating anniversaries.
  • 08:15 John's personal connection: first kiss with wife at the top, filming earthquake stabilization.
  • 09:54 Weather update: 22°C yesterday, now 15-16°C; Kawazu sakura blooming in Izu.
  • 11:33 Cherry blossom forecast: Yoshino trees expected around March 17th-20th.
  • 13:12 Seasonal food: Bijin Hime strawberries from Gifu, invented by Okuda-san.
  • 16:30 Conclusion: Incident rare after 14 years, Skytree still safe, marathon prep update.

Timeline / Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Skytree Incident
  • 01:39 Closure Announcement & Refunds
  • 03:18 NHK World News Report
  • 04:57 Rescue Operation Details
  • 06:36 Visitor Reactions & Safety Assurance
  • 08:15 Personal Skytree Memories
  • 09:54 Weather & Cherry Blossom Update
  • 11:33 Strawberry Season & Postcards
  • 13:12 Tokyo Marathon Preparation
  • 14:51 Community Shoutouts & Tower Stats
  • 16:30 Final Thoughts & Safety Conclusion

Japan Travel Tips

  • Skytree Safety: Despite this incident, the Tokyo Skytree is considered very safe with highly maintained Toshiba elevators; this was the first incident in 14 years.
  • Cherry Blossom Timing: Yoshino cherry trees (ソメイヨシノ) in Tokyo are forecasted for full bloom around March 17th-20th, but Kawazu sakura (河津桜) bloom earlier in February.
  • River Cruises: Yakatabune (屋形船) traditional pleasure boats near Solamachi mall offer a great way to see Tokyo, similar to Amsterdam canals.
  • Marathon Hydration: If running the Tokyo Marathon, be mindful of hydration and toilet access between the 8:10 corral entry and 9:20 wave off.
  • Seasonal Fruit: Look for Bijin Hime strawberries (美女姫いちご) from Gifu in winter; they are super-sized and considered among the best in Japan.
  • Tower Access: While there are stairs inside the Skytree, climbing 450 meters to the top deck is not open to general tourists; elevators are the standard access.
  • Train Lines: The Skytree is accessible via the Hanzomon, Asakusa, and Tobu lines, located in Sumida Ward (墨田区) where building heights are restricted for signal clarity.

Japanese Language & Culture Notes

  • Tokyo Skytree (東京スカイツリー): The tallest freestanding tower in the world, located in Sumida Ward, Tokyo.
  • Sumida Ward (墨田区): The specific ward in Tokyo where the Skytree is built, known for fewer tall buildings to ensure broadcast signal clarity.
  • Kawazu sakura (河津桜): A variety of early-blooming cherry blossoms found in Kawazu on the Izu Peninsula, blooming in February rather than late March.
  • Mankai (満開): Meaning "full bloom," used to describe the peak state of cherry blossoms.
  • Yoshino cherry trees (ソメイヨシノ): The most common variety of cherry tree in Japan, typically blooming in late March.
  • Bijin Hime strawberries (美女姫いちご): Translates to "Beautiful Princess Strawberries," a large variety invented by Okuda-san in Gifu.
  • Ichigo Sakura (いちご桜): Literally "Strawberry Cherry Blossom," likely a specific variety or branding mentioned in the January postcard context.
  • Yakatabune (屋形船): Traditional Japanese pleasure boats with roofs, often serving food like okonomiyaki while cruising rivers.
  • Matane (またね): A casual way of saying "See you later" or "See ya," used by John to sign off.
  • Oshiage (押上): The neighborhood/station area where the Skytree is located, often used interchangeably with Skytree access.

Food & Drink Guide

  • Bijin Hime strawberries (美女姫いちご): 11:33 Super-sized strawberries from Gifu Prefecture, peak winter season. Invented by Okuda-san, described as maybe the best in Japan.
  • Okonomiyaki: 14:51 Savory Japanese pancake mentioned as being served on some Yakatabune pleasure boats near the Skytree.

People

  • John Daub: Host of Only in Japan Go, American living in Japan for 30+ years, narrator of the video.
  • Keanu Reeves: Referenced in relation to the movie Speed and dramatic elevator escapes.
  • Walter: A viewer mentioned by John for his birthday.
  • Nightshade, WRX Turbos, Joy: Long-time viewers and community members acknowledged by John.
  • Okuda-san: The inventor of the Bijin Hime strawberries.
  • Leo: John's son, mentioned as having visited the Skytree with him.
  • John's Wife: Mentioned regarding their first kiss at the top of the Skytree and her recent illness.
  • Woman from Shizuoka: A tourist trapped in the elevator during the incident, celebrating her wedding anniversary.
  • Tourist from Austria: Another visitor mentioned as being disappointed by the closure.

Key Takeaways

  • Rare Incident: This was the first elevator incident at the Tokyo Skytree since it opened in 2012 (14 years).
  • Rescue Method: Passengers were transferred from the stuck elevator to an adjacent one using a metal plate between emergency doors.
  • Closure Duration: The tower was closed on Monday, February 23rd and Tuesday, February 24th for inspections.
  • Safety Record: Japanese elevators, particularly in mega attractions like Skytree, are among the most maintained in the world.
  • Seasonal Timing: Early cherry blossoms (Kawazu) are blooming now, while standard Yoshino trees will bloom in late March.
  • Marathon Prep: John is training for the Tokyo Marathon, scheduled to start wave-off at 9:20 AM.
  • Community Focus: John emphasizes the support of his YouTube community and sends greetings to specific members.

Notable Quotes

  • 00:00 "This was quite a scary one. When I saw this news, I always feared getting trapped in an elevator."
  • 04:57 "This is so dramatic, like Speed but between elevators. All passengers were rescued after about five and a half hours."
  • 08:15 "I absolutely love the Skytree—lots of fond memories, first kiss with my wife at the top, dates there, taking Leo."
  • 09:54 "The Kawazu sakura (河津桜, early-blooming cherry blossoms) are blooming—I just did a live stream from Kawazu on the Izu Peninsula (伊豆半島)."
  • 16:30 "First incident since 2012 opening—14 years, very rare. Skytree still super safe, will come back stronger."
  • 16:30 "Take care, see you next time. Maybe not wait till the 25th. Matane (またね, see ya)."

Related Topics

  • Tokyo Skytree Observation Decks
  • Japan Elevator Safety Standards
  • Cherry Blossom Forecast 2026
  • Tokyo Marathon Guide
  • Japanese Strawberry Varieties
  • Sumida River Boat Cruises

Search Tags

#tokyo-skytree #elevator-incident #john-daub #only-in-japan #japan-travel #cherry-blossoms #tokyo-marathon #safety-first #japan-news #sumida-ward #strawberry-season #rescue-operation #tourist-trap #japan-culture

Full Transcript

00:00 John Daub: This was quite a scary one. When I saw this news, I always feared getting trapped in an elevator. It reminds me of the movie Speed, the first one where Keanu Reeves tries to get someone out of the elevator in a dramatic escape. You know, I always was concerned about that with taller structures. But the Tokyo Skytree (東京スカイツリー), being the largest freestanding tower in the world, had an incident the day before yesterday on the 22nd, or was it the 23rd? The Skytree was closed yesterday and it's closed today according to the announcement as they check out the elevators. Apparently one was coming down with about 20 people inside. I want to explain exactly what happened, and the rescue was exactly like in an action movie. It took a long time, not until about 2am that they finally got everyone down and out.

01:39 John Daub: Let's take a look at the announcement first. Regarding refunds due to the temporary closure of the Tokyo Skytree on Monday, February 23rd and Tuesday 24th, apologies for the elevator suspension and guest entrapment. That's pretty scary. Tokyo Skytree opening hours February and March 2026—so it'll be open again, that's for sure. It's still the safest attraction, safer than a roller coaster for sure. Elevators are going to break down, but when it happens at a mega attraction, it's quite scary.

03:18 John Daub: Now let's read the story from NHK World. Tokyo Skytree closes on Monday after visitors trapped inside the elevator. Japan's tallest structure, a popular tourist spot, was temporarily closed after 20 passengers were trapped for more than five hours. Holy moly. Two elevators to the observation deck stopped suddenly shortly before 8:30pm on Sunday. One was empty, but the other carried 20 people, including two children. It came to a halt about 30 meters from the ground—at least it wasn't at the top. That's like six stories, still significant.

04:57 John Daub: Rescue workers positioned an adjacent elevator alongside the stopped one, opened the emergency doors on the sides, and placed a metal plate between them to transfer the passengers. This is so dramatic, like Speed but between elevators. All passengers were rescued after about five and a half hours. I'm sure that took a long time over a steel plate. The tower operators closed the facility on Monday to investigate, and staff were busy refunding advance observation deck tickets.

06:36 John Daub: A woman from Shizuoka Prefecture said her family was on a trip to mark her wedding anniversary and she'd been looking forward to visiting. Other tourists, like one from Austria, were disappointed. The operator says they've looked into the cause and will reopen once safety is assured. The elevator ride is really pretty—one of the fastest in Japan, made by Toshiba, and well-maintained. I did an episode on elevator safety in Japan, so I'm not worried. But is there something in the news that concerns you like this?

08:15 John Daub: I absolutely love the Skytree—lots of fond memories, first kiss with my wife at the top, dates there, taking Leo. Safety is first, and I'm happy they're closing the entire tower to check. There are stairs inside, but no one wants to climb 450 meters to the top deck—or 640 to the spire. I filmed inside during an NHK episode on earthquake stabilization—fascinating for such a quake-prone country. They do races up the stairs for locals sometimes. I was even up where the spire starts on the outside with a helmet—that episode's coming soon.

09:54 John Daub: It's the tallest structure in Tokyo, hard to miss, built with no tall buildings around in Sumida Ward (墨田区, Oshiage) for clear broadcasting signal—on the Hanzomon, Asakusa, and Tobu lines. Unfortunately closed today, but what a nice day. Yesterday was 22 degrees Celsius—like 70 Fahrenheit—I sweated on an 11km run, felt like Okinawa. Now it's 15-16C, comfortable. The Kawazu sakura (河津桜, early-blooming cherry blossoms) are blooming—I just did a live stream from Kawazu on the Izu Peninsula (伊豆半島). It blows away Nara, full bloom (満開, mankai) now—go check it out if you're in Japan.

11:33 John Daub: These are some Yoshino cherry trees (ソメイヨシノ), slated for March 20th but maybe earlier at this temp—the indicator at Yasukuni Shrine is around March 17th. We'll do a cherry blossom postcard. This month's is Bijin Hime strawberries (美女姫いちご, "beautiful princess"), peak winter season from Gifu—super sized, invented by Okuda-san. Maybe the best in Japan—episode coming on the main channel. Postcards just arriving in California and England—grateful for the club.

13:12 John Daub: Tokyo Marathon in six days—last time 2011, wasn't ready then either but did pretty good. Here's January's Ichigo Sakura (いちご桜, strawberry cherry blossom). Skytree elevators are the most maintained in the world—nothing to worry about. Happy birthday Walter, great to see you and long-time viewers like Nightshade, WRX Turbos, Joy. Best community on YouTube. Pan to the top—640m, upper deck 350m, I filmed window washing outside and climbed up. Amazing stability even zoomed in.

14:51 John Daub: Elevator stopped at 30m near Solamachi mall at the base. Great spot here to watch boats—yakatabune (屋形船, traditional pleasure boats) are the best way to see Tokyo, like Amsterdam. Some serve okonomiyaki. Training hard despite busy time—editing videos, wife sick on and off, taxes done. Toughest three months, but grateful—post-marathon I'll be relaxed. Marathon starts 9:10 but we wave off at 9:20 after corrals at 8:10—praying no toilet issues while hydrating. IT band glitch, tapering now—hoping for 16C sunny day, though cooler better.

16:30 John Daub: This was a real-life tower of terror—20 people transferred via metal beam between elevators, out by 2-2:30am after 5.5 hours. Glad they're safe and investigating. First incident since 2012 opening—14 years, very rare. Skytree still super safe, will come back stronger. Big fan—gonna visit with family to support. Take care, see you next time. Maybe not wait till the 25th. Matane (またね, see ya).