Nippon Budokan
日本武道館
Budokan
Nippon Budokan Hall Main entrance
Map
Location2-3 Kitanomarukōen, Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-8321, Japan
Coordinates35°41′35.9″N 139°45′0.0″E / 35.693306°N 139.750000°E / 35.693306; 139.750000
Public transitTokyo Metro/Toei Subway (at Kudanshita):
OwnerThe Nippon Budokan Foundation
Capacity14,471
Field sizeHeight: 42 m (140 ft)
Construction
Built1964
OpenedOctober 3, 1964
Renovated2020
Construction cost2 billion Japanese yen
(US$5.6 million in 1964)
ArchitectMamoru Yamada
Main contractorsTakenaka Corporation

The Nippon Budokan (Japanese: 日本武道館, Hepburn: Nippon Budōkan, lit. 'Japan Martial Arts Hall'), often shortened to simply Budokan, is an indoor arena in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. It was originally built for the inaugural Olympic judo competition in the 1964 Summer Olympics. While its primary purpose is to host martial arts contests, the arena has gained additional fame as one of the world's most outstanding musical performance venues.[1] The Budokan was a popular venue for Japanese professional wrestling for a time, and it has hosted numerous other sporting events, such as the 1967 Women's Volleyball World Championship. Most recently, the arena hosted the Olympic debut of karate in the 2020 Summer Olympics, as well as the judo competition at both the 2020 Summer Olympics and the 2020 Summer Paralympics.

A number of famous rock music acts have played at the Budokan. The Beatles were the first rock group to play there, in a series of concerts held between June 30 and July 2, 1966. ABBA ended their last tour and held their final live performance there in March 1980. Numerous acts have recorded live albums at the Budokan, including Blur, TVXQ, Bryan Adams, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, Cheap Trick, Neil Young, Dream Theater, Duran Duran, Kiss, Ozzy Osbourne, Mariah Carey, Judas Priest, Paul McCartney, Asia, Ringo Starr, Journey, Deep Purple, Masayoshi Takanaka, and Michael Schenker Group.

Location

The Nippon Budokan is located in Kitanomaru Park in the center of Tokyo, two minutes' walking distance from Kudanshita Subway Station, and near the Imperial Palace and Yasukuni Shrine. The 42 m (140 ft) high octagonal structure holds 14,471 people (arena seats: 2,946, 1st floor seats: 3,199, 2nd floor seats: 7,846, standee: 480).[2] The building is modeled after Yumedono (Hall of Dreams) in Hōryū-ji in Nara.

Venue history

Martial arts

The 57th Japan National Kendo Championship (November 3, 2009)
All-Japan Tournament Karate
Outside and inside of Nippon Budokan configured for a concert, 2024
The Nippon Budokan during the cherry blossom season

Although the Budokan also functions as a venue for big musical events, its primary purpose is for Japanese martial arts. The national championships of the different branches of major martial arts (judo, kendo, karate, aikido, etc.) are held annually at the Budokan. The Budokan has also been associated with professional wrestling's big shows, typically from All Japan Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Noah. However, due to declining audiences following the death of Mitsuharu Misawa and the retirement of Kenta Kobashi, professional wrestling has ceased running regular shows in the Budokan. During Wrestle Kingdom 12, New Japan Pro-Wrestling announced that its yearly G1 Climax tournament's finals would be held at the Budokan.[3]

The Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki hybrid rules fight held at the Budokan in 1976 is seen as a forerunner to mixed martial arts. K-1, Shooto, Vale Tudo Japan and Pride Fighting Championships have all held events at the arena.

Music

A concert stage at the Budokan

The Beatles were the first rock group to perform at the Budokan in a series of five shows held between June 30 and July 2, 1966.[4] Their appearances were met with opposition from those who felt the appearance of a western pop group would defile the martial arts arena.[5]

In July 1973, Japanese television recorded the Santana performance at the Budokan.

The Budokan gained worldwide fame when American artists Cheap Trick and Bob Dylan used the arena to record their performances, Cheap Trick at Budokan (1978) and Bob Dylan at Budokan (1979). The venue is popular for recording live albums because it has good acoustics, is relatively large and Japanese audiences are known for being highly appreciative when appropriate but quiet during performances.[6] Eric Clapton described the Tokyo audience as "almost overappreciative" in interviews promoting Just One Night (1980), his own live album recorded at the Budokan.[citation needed]

American crossover thrash band Stormtroopers of Death released a live album titled Live at Budokan (1992), though the title was in jest and the album was recorded at famed New York City venue The Ritz.

The original Beatles concert is heavily bootlegged on audio and video;[7] the first night's concert video was officially released by Apple Records in Japan only as Beatles Concert at Budokan 1966, and excerpts are shown in The Beatles Anthology, while the second Anthology album included the first show's performances of "Rock and Roll Music" and "She's A Woman". The venue is one of the stages in The Beatles: Rock Band video game.[8] Chatmonchy currently holds the record for the largest crowd at the Budokan.[citation needed]

The record for the most Budokan music concerts is held by Eikichi Yazawa, 142 times as of December 19, 2017.[9]

Artists that have released live recordings from the venue include:

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s

2020s

During the 2020 Summer Olympics

Other events

The National Memorial Service for War Dead is held with the attendance of the Prime Minister, the Emperor and the Empress annually in Budokan on August 15, the day of Japan's surrender.

As well as holding the Live Concert in appreciation of the Popular Anime series Lucky Star: Live in Budokan (Anata No Tame Dakara).

A concert was held in honor of Studio Ghibli's 25th anniversary at the Budokan, hosted by Joe Hisaishi. It included repertoire from most of the films Hisaishi composed for Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli filmography.

Diana Ross performed and taped her "Here and Now" television special in 1991 to a sold-out audience.

The Japan Record Awards took place in the arena from 1985 to 1993 where all of the artists from around the country receive these awards.

Muhammad Ali won a unanimous decision over Mac Foster in their 1972 heavyweight boxing match.

On February 13, 1975, a religious gathering was held to hear Rev. Sun Myung Moon speak.[38]

On August 27, 2011, Japan's three biggest professional wrestling promotions; All Japan Pro Wrestling, New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Noah came together to produce a charity event titled All Together at the arena. On August 10, 11 and 12, 2018 New Japan Pro-Wrestling held the final 3 days of the G1 Climax in the Budokan, which marked the first time in 15 years that New Japan has promoted an event there. New Japan once again returned to the arena for the final 3 days of the 2019 G1 Climax. New Japan also held the Best of the Super Jr. and World Tag League finals in December 2021, as well as their 49th Anniversary Show and the final two days of the upcoming G1 Climax in 2021.

Joshi wrestling promotion World Wonder Ring Stardom held their All Star Dream Cinderella event on March 3, 2021. Making this the first time a joshi company to held an event in the venue in 24 years.

Professional wrestler and legend in Japan Kenta Kobashi wrestled his final match in Budokan on May 11, 2013, at an event titled Final Burning in Budokan. Kobashi is synonymous with the arena along with fellow wrestlers Toshiaki Kawada and the late Mitsuharu Misawa.

In November, the Budokan is a venue for the annual Japan Self-Defense Forces Marching Festival, a yearly tradition and the nation's military tattoo first held here in the fall of 1963. Aside from JSDF bands, foreign armed forces military bands are also invited to join the event.[39]

The state funeral of Shinzo Abe was held at the Budokan on 27 September 2022.[40][41]

Other uses

The Nippon Budokan is the primary setting of the 1989 fighting game Budokan: The Martial Spirit. Players train in various Japanese martial arts, and must then face off at the Budokan arena against computer-controlled opponents.

A fictional concert hall based on the Nippon Budokan appeared in the music video game Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (2007) under the name "Kaiju Megadome". The Beatles' appearance at Nippon Budokan was featured in The Beatles: Rock Band (2009).

Another fictional hall based on the Nippon Budokan appeared in the Japanese pro-wrestling video game Virtual Pro Wrestling 2: Ōdō Keishō (2000).

See also

References

  1. ^ Beacham, Greg (July 23, 2021). "Live at Budokan: Famed arena gets another Olympic spotlight". AP. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
  2. ^ "Pagetitle" 日本武道館建物概要（アリーナ面積・座席表） (in Japanese). Nippon Budoukan. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
  3. ^ "A stacked lineup of shows announced for NJPW in 2018, including a return to the legendary Budokan Hall! | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". NJPW.
  4. ^ Swanson, Dave (July 2, 2016). "50 Years Ago: The Beatles Headline in Japan". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  5. ^ "Japan keeps Lennon's memory alive". BBC News. December 8, 2008. Retrieved April 7, 2010.
  6. ^ "History Question: Why Were So Many Live Albums Recorded at Japan's Budokan Theatre?". www.ajournalofmusicalthings.com. November 23, 2015.
  7. ^ Unterberger, Richie (2006). The Unreleased Beatles: Music & Film. Hal Leonard Corporation. pp. 321–322. ISBN 978-0-87930-892-6.
  8. ^ The Beatles Rock Band: If I Needed Someone- Sight Read (100% FC Gold Stars). YouTube. September 5, 2009. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
  9. ^ 矢沢永吉、今年もヨロシク武道館 止まらない最多更新１４２回へ (in Japanese). Sponichi Annex. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
  10. ^ Personal memoir, Todd Fischer
  11. ^ "Duran Duran Music". Retrieved November 13, 2015.
  12. ^ "Duran Duran DURAN DURAN TIMELINE". Duran Duran. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
  13. ^ "see 'other'". Archived from the original on May 29, 2010.
  14. ^ "Lee Seung-gi Mesmerizes Fans in Japan's Budokan". HanCinema. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
  15. ^ "MAMORU MIYANO SPECIAL LIVE 2013 ～TRAVELING!～ / 宮野真守". 宮野真守 OFFICIAL WEB SITE.
  16. ^ "LiSA、自身初の日本武道館ライブを振り返る - 「LiVE is Smile Always～今日もいい日だっ～in日本武道館」 (1) 日本武道館までの道程". マイナビニュース. June 17, 2014.
  17. ^ "[LiSA]LiVE is Smile Always～PiNK & BLACK～ in 日本武道館「いちごドーナツ」&「ちょこドーナツ」ライブ映像を4週連続で配信スタート☆". www.sma.co.jp.
  18. ^ "MAMORU MIYANO LIVE TOUR 2015 ～AMAZING!～ / 宮野真守". 宮野真守 OFFICIAL WEB SITE.
  19. ^ "MAMORU MIYANO LIVE TOUR 2015-16 ～GENERATING!～ / 宮野真守". 宮野真守 OFFICIAL WEB SITE.
  20. ^ Komatsu, Mikikazu (June 28, 2017). "Tickets for "BanG Dream!" Budokan Concert in August Already Sold Out". Crunchyroll. Retrieved May 26, 2020.
  21. ^ 制作者. "2019年1月1日、日本武道館でのライブが決定！ | 内田真礼オフィシャルサイト". 2019年1月1日、日本武道館でのライブが決定！ | 内田真礼オフィシャルサイト (in Japanese). Retrieved November 2, 2018.
  22. ^ "内田真礼 Official STAFF on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved November 24, 2018.
  23. ^ "キャストライブ『あんさんぶるスターズ！Starry Stage 2nd 〜in 日本武道館〜』｜スタステ2nd特設サイト". キャストライブ『あんさんぶるスターズ！Starry Stage 2nd 〜in 日本武道館〜』｜スタステ2nd特設サイト (in Japanese). Retrieved February 25, 2019.
  24. ^ "武道館初単独ライブ！「BanG Dream! 7th☆LIVE」DAY1:Roselia 「Hitze」ライブレポート" [Budokan first solo live! "BanG Dream! 7th ☆ LIVE" DAY1: Roselia "Hitze" Live Report]. Inside Games (in Japanese). March 26, 2019. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  25. ^ "日本武道館をRASの色で染め上げた「BanG Dream! 7th☆LIVE」DAY2をレポート" [Report on DAY2 of "BanG Dream! 7th ☆ LIVE", which dyed Nippon Budokan with RAS color]. Gamer (in Japanese). February 24, 2019. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  26. ^ "『バンドリ！』日本武道館の『BanG Dream! 7th☆LIVE』のDAY3では"Poppin'Party"が登場" ["BanG Dream! "Poppin'Party" appeared in DAY3 of "BanG Dream! 7th ☆ LIVE" at Nippon Budokan]. Famitsu (in Japanese). February 25, 2019. Retrieved May 26, 2020.
  27. ^ "Inori Minase LIVE TOUR 2019 Catch the Rainbow！特設ページ". www.inoriminase.com. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  28. ^ "初の武道館公演開催決定!! - NEWS". ポルカドットスティングレイ. Retrieved January 15, 2023.
  29. ^ "BABYMETAL". [10 BABYMETAL BUDOKAN SPECIAL WEBSITE]2021年、METAL RESISTANCE 最終章 日本武道館 10公演開催決定！！ (in Japanese). Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  30. ^ "12月4日(土)・5日(日)日本武道館にて初の有観客ライブ『NICE TO MEET YOU』2Days開催決定！FCチケット先行受付スタート。". Yoasobi Official Website (in Japanese). Sony Music Entertainment Japan. October 1, 2021. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  31. ^ "【ライブレポート】和楽器バンドの全てを堪能する＜大新年会＞". BARKS. January 13, 2022. Retrieved February 27, 2022.
  32. ^ "ももクロ「祝典」ツアー日本武道館公演のライブ映像を明日プレミア公開". 音楽ナタリー. October 18, 2022. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  33. ^ "オンユ 日本で初となるソロツアー「ONEW Japan 1st Concert Tour 2022 ～Life goes on～」の開催が決定！". SHINee OFFICIAL WEBSITE (in Japanese). Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  34. ^ "Vaundy to perform at Nippon Budokan for the first time this September".
  35. ^ "WOWOWプラス「生中継！SIRUP『Roll & Bounce』LIVE at NIPPON BUDOKAN」放送記念｜SIRUPインタビュー - 音楽ナタリー 特集・インタビュー".
  36. ^ "ヨルシカ LIVE 2023「前世」". ヨルシカ OFFICIAL SITE (in Japanese). Retrieved January 24, 2023.
  37. ^ 美波 [@373STAFF] (December 8, 2023). "美波「JOYINT in Nippon Budokan」2024年3月30日 (土)日本武道館" (Tweet) (in Japanese) – via Twitter.
  38. ^ http://www.tparents.org/UTS/DoH2/DOH2-13.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  39. ^ "DVIDS - News - III MEF Band impresses at Budokan". DVIDS. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
  40. ^ "安倍元首相の「国葬」9月27日実施で最終調整 政府" [Government finalizing plan for former Prime Minister Abe's "state funeral" to be held on September 27]. NHK NEWS WEB (in Japanese). July 20, 2022. Archived from the original on July 20, 2022. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  41. ^ "Japan to hold state funeral for ex-PM Shinzo Abe on September 27 – sources". July 20, 2022.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Nippon Budokan.
Preceded byImperial Garden Theater Host of theJapan Record Awards 1985–1993 Succeeded byTBS Broadcast Center
Venues of the 1964 Summer Olympics (Tokyo)
Venues of the 2020 Summer Olympics (Tokyo)
Venues of the 2020 Summer Paralympics
Olympic venues in judo
Chiyoda, Tokyo
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