Burton also designed Japan 's first skyscraper , Ryōunkaku in Asakusa , Tokyo . This 12-story , 225-foot ( 68.58-metre ) tall structure was the tallest building in Tokyo at the time it opened in 1890 . This octagonal building gained iconic status as a symbol of modern Japan , and boasted Japan 's first electric lift . It was damaged beyond repair in the 1923 Great Kantō earthquake
1923 Great Kantō earthquake
1923 Great Kantō earthquake
W. K. Burton