Upward and downward lightning observed at Tokyo Skytree

This paper describes observations of lightning current waveform at Tokyo Skytree, which stands in the eastern area of central Tokyo, located in the Kanto Plain, and is a 634-m high freestanding broadcasting tower. Direct observation of lightning current by using a pair of Rogowski coils started in the end of February 2012. From 2012 to the end of 2013, currents associated with 24 lightning flashes which hit the tower were recorded. In 2012, most of the flashes were upward as was expected; however, in 2013, most of the flashes observed in summer were downward. We have also evaluated statistical characteristics of obtained lightning current waveforms.