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Nippon Budokan
From Virtual Japan
Nippon Budokan is an arena in Central Tokyo. It is often referred to only as "Budokan." Budokan is known for its martial arts events as well as its professional wrestling promotions. It is the most common location for many national championship events. It is also well known for its large scale rock concerts as well as a national ceremony to mourn those that died in World War II. Budokan was initially built for the Judo competition in the 1964 Olympic Games and is owned the by Tekenaka corporation.
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Location
Address (English):
- 2-3 Kitanomarukōen,
- Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-8321
- Japan
Address (Japanese):
- 〒１０２-８３２１ 東京都千代田区北の丸公園２番３号
Phone:
- 03-3212-2321
Access
Nippon Budokan is in the center of Tokyo in Kitanomaru Park. It is approximately 2 minutes from the Kudanshita Subway Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line. The Tokyo Metro Tozai Hanzomon line lands close to the arena as well.
History
The building was designed in 1963 near Mount Fuji to “catch the beauty and spirit of martial arts.” Construction was paid for by the national treasury and Takara Kiyoshi, with a cost of over 2 billion yen for the 1964 Olympic Games. After the Olympic games were over, the building continued to be used for various Judo events. It was also converted into a Concert Hall. It also became the headquarters of Japan’s first Martial arts academy and youth leadership program.
Facility
Nippon Budokan can fit roughly 13,200 people, with 2,762 arena seats, 3,200 seats on the first floor, 7,760 seats on the second floor and about 500 people standing. The building is shaped like an octagon, and it is modeled after a building known as the “Hall of Dreams” (Yumedono) located in Hōryū-ji in Nara.
Sporting Events
Nippon Budokan is primarily used for martial arts events. The National Championships for martial arts are head in Budokan every year, as well as several other events organized by the Japanese martial arts council. Budokan now is primarily used by Pro Wrestling NOAH. NOAH is a Japanese professional wrestling organization that started in 1999. Its name is based off the biblical character Noah from Noah’s Arc, and its logo contains a dove holding an olive branch.
Concert Hall
When it is not being used for sporting events, Budokan is also used as concert hall. The Beatles held a major concert there in 1964, and it continues to be used for large scale concert events, especially international musicians.