Tokyo is Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

Tokyo landmarks are turning pink in honor of breast cancer awareness month.  As a woman, and as someone who lost a dear friend to the disease this summer, I am proud to share with you what Tokyo is doing to help raise awareness of this disease that affects 1 in 8 women, and those that they love, worldwide each year.  Breast cancer does not recognize borders, language barriers or cultural differences – it is an equal opportunity disease.

This year, The Peninsula Tokyo becomes only the second officially recognized Japan landmark to be illuminated pink as part of a Global Illumination Campaign.

Tokyo Tower was the first Tokyo landmark to be lit in pink in 2000 and continues the tradition this year.  It is one of the tallest towers in the world and is also one of the places where you can take in the view of the city’s seemingly never-ending skyline.  Why not visit this October to show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness?

The Peninsula Hotel will join the Tokyo Tower this year and will light up its modern facade in pink this month in support of Estee Lauder Group of Companies’ Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign.   The Peninsula Tokyo will also offer a range of pink-themed promotions in its restaurants during the month, with a portion of proceeds going to the Estee Lauder Group of Companies’ Japan’s local breast cancer charities.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government buildings were also illuminated pink in honor of breast cancer awareness and hosted a number of events and lectures on how to help detect the disease.

On a personal note, I want to pay tribute to my friend, Jeanine, who recently lost her 10-year plus battle with breast cancer but taught many of those around her how to bravely face adversity and make the most of what is precious in life.  For me, the pink lights of Tokyo and other cities around the world are not only a valuable reminder to be ever vigilant in the battle against breast cancer but also a memorial of sorts to all of the brave women and men who have have lost their battle with this disease but fight on in spirit.

For more information about breast cancer, turn to Pink Ribbon Review, where Karen Lynch blogs about raising breast cancer awareness year round.

Image Credit:   Flickr, TokyoTower is illuminated with Pink lights with Ukai Tofu restaurant., the Met. Gov. #2 in Pink Ribbon 2008 & Personal Collection