TOKYO, March 27 (Xinhua) -- The usually brightly illuminated iconic landmark Tokyo Tower were thrown into darkness at 8:30 p.m. Saturday to join this year's Earth Hour global environmental campaign.

The move came along with some 125 countries and regions where people shut off their lights for one hour to highlight a commitment to tackling climate change.

Besides Tokyo Tower, the southwestern Japanese port city of Hiroshima is an active participant, where the Hiroshima Peace Memorial went dark at the same time, local media reported.

"This year is really the first time Japan has taken part in a significant way," Earth Hour founder Andy Ridley was quoted by Kyodo News Agency as saying.

"I think 2011 will be really big in Japan," he added.

According to Ridley, Japan's decision to become involved this year can be put down to the new Yukio Hatoyama administration, which has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

via news.xinhuanet.com

Participate in Earth Hour by turning off as much power as possible in your home from 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm tonight.

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