Nippon Budokan
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The Nippon Budokan is situated in the Kitanomaru Park in the central part of Tokyo. The entire stadium is 42 meters (140 feet) high and is octagonal in shape. The stadium is modeled after a hall in the Horyuji Temple in Nara. The arena can accommodate a total of 14000 people. There are 2762 seats on the first floor, 3199 seats on the second floor and 7760 seats on the third floor. Apart from these, it has a standing space for 480 people.
Nippon Budokan was built in the year 1964 as a venue for the judo competitions of the Summer Olympics held in that year. In fact, this arena is mainly used for Japanese martial arts. The arena plays host to the national championships of a different forms of martial arts of Japan. The national championships of Judo, Kenda, Karate, Aikido, Kyudo, Naginata, Shorinji Kempo and others are held every year over here. A large number of wrestling competitions are also held over here. Nowadays the stadium is mainly used by Pro wrestling NOAH for conducting a large number of events and competitions.
The Nippon Budokan in Tokyo also serves as venue for a large number of rock concerts. In fact, it was in this place that the Beatles made their Japanese debut. The Beatles were the first rock group to perform in this arena in the year 1966. The shows were held in the months of June and July. Most of the albums of 'Live at Budokan' were in fact recorded in this fantastic place.
In the year 1978, American star Bob Dylan performed in this arena as a result of which this place acquired international fame. Bob Dylan recorded his album 'Bob Dylan at Budokan' in the year 1978 in this very place. Another American pop group who held their concert at this place was Cheap Trick. Their concert was held in the year 1979 and they used this place to record their album 'At Budokan'. Besides them, other famous western rock artists who performed in the Budokan include Kiss, Pearl Jam and Dream Theatre.
The stadium also serves as a venue for the national ceremony held every year on the 15th of August, to mourn the death of the people who died in the Second World War. This huge ceremony is attended by the prime minister as well as the emperor and the empress of the country. A large number of Japanese acts were also held over her. Some of the major ones include L'Arc~en~Ciel, GLAY, Tourbillon, Dir en grey, Janne Da Arc and others.
You can come to this place by taking a train to the Kudanshita Subway Station. Form here one can walk to this place. It takes only two minutes to reach this place.
The Nippon Budokan is an architectural marvel that is worth paying a visit. An opportunity to watch a music concert in this arena is something that one should not miss.
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