Yoyogi National Gymnasium, Multi-purpose hall in Jinnan, Tokyo, Japan
Yoyogi National Gymnasium is a multi-purpose hall in Jinnan, Shibuya ward of Tokyo, used for sporting events, concerts and other large gatherings. The hall is characterized by its suspended steel roof supported by cables, creating a column-free interior with clear sightlines from all seats.
Architect Kenzo Tange designed the complex for the 1964 Summer Olympics, where it hosted swimming and diving competitions. After the Games it was converted into a multi-purpose venue and has since served as a location for national championships and international tournaments.
The name Yoyogi comes from the district and park beside the hall. Since CHAGE and ASKA played the first concert here in 1983, the arena has become a regular music venue; V6 holds the record with 102 performances. The three plazas on the grounds are paved with stone blocks reused from a discontinued tram line, and the Harajuku plaza hosted DREAMS COME TRUE's giant Christmas tree from 1993 to 2002.
Access is direct from Harajuku Station on the Yamanote Line, from where the hall is a few minutes' walk. For events with audiences, seating and standing areas are available, with the arrangement changing depending on the type of event.
The roof construction uses tensioned steel cables as load-bearing elements, a then novel technique that was later applied in other sports facilities worldwide. Under the roof the hall can completely change its interior layout, from ice rink to concert stage without fixed installations.
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