Among the 41 Olympic competition venues, none represents as much to their sport as the Nippon Budokan, the spiritual home of judo. The modality will be played from the 24th to the 31st of July.
The “martial arts hall” will also host karate competitions. In the corridors of the Budokan there are references to the gym’s historical moments.
The philosophy of “budo” is displayed on wooden boards, a word that encompasses different martial arts. The expression comes from “bushido,” the way of the warrior.
Built for the first time that Tokyo hosted the Olympics, in 1964, when judo debuted at the Games, the complex is located a few meters from the garden of the Imperial Palace, part of what used to be Edo Castle, home of Emperor Meiji until his move, in late 19th century.
The structure was built to receive almost 15 thousand people making the Budokan an attraction for musical events. In 1966, the Beatles performed at the venue.
After the British, many internationally renowned bands, singers and musicians played in the arena. The last performance of the Swedish group ABBAtook place in 1980, at the Budokan.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon