Nippon Budōkan, Martial arts and concert venue in Chiyoda, Japan
Nippon Budōkan is an arena in Kitanomaru Park in Chiyoda, Japan, standing 42 meters tall with an octagonal base plan. The roof structure echoes the Yumedono hall of Hōryū Temple and is crowned by a golden ornament at its peak.
The building was completed in 1964 for the Tokyo Summer Olympics to host judo competitions. Those games marked the first Olympic appearance of judo as an official sport.
The name comes from "budō," meaning martial ways, and "kan," meaning hall, reflecting its original purpose as a place for judo and kendo practice. Today visitors can watch both traditional martial arts competitions and large-scale rock concerts in the same space, showing how Japanese culture embraces both heritage and modern entertainment.
The venue holds 14,471 visitors and sits a short walk from Kudanshita subway station. Events range from national martial arts tournaments to international music concerts, and seating arrangements vary depending on the type of event.
The golden roof ornament is a giboshi, traditionally believed to protect buildings from evil spirits. This architectural detail connects the modern structure with centuries-old Japanese beliefs about safeguarding buildings.
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