We recently reported that the open observation field (rojo) of the Tokyo Regional Meteorological Observatory in Otemachi — the hub for temperature, humidity, rainfall and other weather data in the Tokyo area — would move across from Palaceside Building to Kitanomaru Park as the observatory itself plans to relocate to Toranomon. Wind speed, wind direction, and global solar radiation instruments, however, were officially moved elsewhere in November 2007 and have been observing from the new site ever since.
The anemometers and related gear now sit on the roof of the Science Museum in Kitanomaru Park, about 35 meters above ground. Previously they were on the meteorological agency building roof in Otemachi at 74.5 meters. The move was unrelated to the observatory relocation: three high-rises — JA, Keidanren, and The Nikkei — rose to the south and threatened to skew readings.
The AMeDAS station near the main gate of Musashi High School in Nerima, long known for recording Tokyo's highest temperatures, will also relocate by the end of this fiscal year to the former Bank of Japan Shakujii athletic ground site about seven kilometers west. Surrounding development has blocked airflow and made accurate observation difficult. Some locals hope the "hottest spot in Tokyo" image will fade; others lament losing a Musashi landmark. Urbanization, taller buildings, shifting data series, and even a neighborhood's identity — all change together.