Last weekend, Tokyo’s two most famous structures switched their usual lighting to blue, white, and red in a showing of solidarity with the French people.

Japan is one of the safest countries on the planet, so when news came of the terrorist attacks that left over 130 dead in Paris, the country was shocked and saddened. The fact that the tragedy happened in one of the most-visited foreign cities by Japanese leisure and business travelers made the incident feel all the more immediate, and in response some of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks decided to send out a message of emotional support.

On November 15, two days after the attacks, a tweet went out from the account for Noppon Ototo, one of the mascot characters for Tokyo Tower, which read:

“To express our sympathies for the victims of the Paris terrorist attacks, tonight Tokyo Tower will be illuminated in the colors of the French Tricolour. We pray that those who lost their lives rest in peace.”

Tokyo Tower wasn’t the only beacon in the Tokyo skyline symbolically flying the French flag, either. The Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in the country, was also lit up in blue, white, and red on November 15.

▼ Both towers shone in the French colors from dusk until 11 p.m.

Similar displays are planned for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and Komazawa Olympic Park through November 17.

In the past, Tokyo Tower has changed its colors to honor visiting foreign dignitaries or celebrate international events. Here’s hoping that the needs for condolences such as the ones shown in these photos are few and far between.

Source: Hamster Sokuho