Nippon Budokan
Encyclopedia
The , often shortened to simply Budokan, is an indoor arena in central Tokyo
, Japan
.
This is the location where many "Live at the Budokan
" albums were recorded. The Nippon Budokan, however, was originally built for the judo
competition in the 1964 Summer Olympics
, hence its name, rendered in English as Martial Arts Hall.
, two minutes' walking distance from Kudanshita Subway Station
, and near Yasukuni Shrine
. This 42 m (140 ft) high imposing octagonal structure holds 14,201 people (arena seats: 2,762, 1st floor seats: 3,199, 2nd floor seats: 7,760, standee: 480) and is modeled after Yumedono (Hall of Dreams) in Hōryū-ji
in Nara
.
(indeed, the name literally means "Japan Martial Arts Hall"). The national championships of the different branches of the martial arts judo
, kendo
, karate
, aikido
, shorinji kempo
, kyūdō
, naginata
, etc.) are held annually at the Budokan. For wrestling fans the Budokan means professional wrestling
's big shows. Now, the Budokan is mostly used by Pro Wrestling Noah
, who often hold major events there.
were the first rock group to perform here, in a series of shows in June/July 1966; their appearances were met with opposition from those who felt the appearance of a western pop group would defile the martial arts arena.
However, the Budokan gained worldwide fame when American
artists Cheap Trick
and Bob Dylan
used the arena to record their concert albums, Cheap Trick at Budokan (1978) and Bob Dylan at Budokan
(1979), respectively. In explaining the popularity of the venue for live albums, Eric Clapton
described the Tokyo audience as "almost overappreciative" in interviews promoting his own live Just One Night
(1980), recorded at Budokan.
Other artists to release live recordings from this venue include:
The original Beatles concert is heavily bootlegged on audio and video; the first night's concert video was officially released by Apple
in Japan only as Beatles Concert at Budokan 1966, and excerpts are shown in The Beatles Anthology
, while the second Anthology album
included the first show's performances of "Rock and Roll Music
" and "She's A Woman
". The venue is one of the stages in The Beatles: Rock Band
video game. Chatmonchy
currently holds the record for the largest crowd at Budokan.
, the Emperor
and the Empress annually in Budokan on August 15, the day of Japan's surrender.
As well as holding the Live Concert in appreciation of the Popular Anime series Lucky Star:Live in Budokan (Anata No Tame Dakara)
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
.
This is the location where many "Live at the Budokan
At Budokan
At Budokan or Live at Budokan may refer to:* Live at the Budokan , 1977 album by Ian Gillan Band* Cheap Trick at Budokan, 1978 album by Cheap Trick* Bob Dylan at Budokan, 1979 album by Bob Dylan...
" albums were recorded. The Nippon Budokan, however, was originally built for the judo
Judo at the 1964 Summer Olympics
The judo competition at the 1964 Summer Olympics was the first time the sport was included in the Summer Olympic Games. Medals were awarded in 4 classes, and competition was restricted to men only. The competition was held in the Nippon Budokan, which was built to host the competition...
competition in the 1964 Summer Olympics
1964 Summer Olympics
The 1964 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVIII Olympiad, was an international multi-sport event held in Tokyo, Japan in 1964. Tokyo had been awarded with the organization of the 1940 Summer Olympics, but this honor was subsequently passed to Helsinki because of Japan's...
, hence its name, rendered in English as Martial Arts Hall.
Location
The Nippon Budokan is located in Kitanomaru Park in the center of TokyoTokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
, two minutes' walking distance from Kudanshita Subway Station
Kudanshita Station
is a subway station in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan.This is the closest subway station to Yasukuni Shrine and Nippon Budokan.-History:The station opened on 23 December 1964 as the eastern terminus of the Tōzai Line from Takadanobaba...
, and near Yasukuni Shrine
Yasukuni Shrine
is a Shinto shrine located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the soldiers and others who died fighting on behalf of the Emperor of Japan. Currently, its Symbolic Registry of Divinities lists the names of over 2,466,000 enshrined men and women whose lives were dedicated to the service of...
. This 42 m (140 ft) high imposing octagonal structure holds 14,201 people (arena seats: 2,762, 1st floor seats: 3,199, 2nd floor seats: 7,760, standee: 480) and is modeled after Yumedono (Hall of Dreams) in Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
in Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
.
Martial arts
Though it still functions as a venue for big musical events, its primary purpose is for Japanese martial artsMartial arts
Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....
(indeed, the name literally means "Japan Martial Arts Hall"). The national championships of the different branches of the martial arts judo
Judo
is a modern martial art and combat sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw or takedown one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an...
, kendo
Kendo
, meaning "Way of The Sword", is a modern Japanese martial art of sword-fighting based on traditional Japanese swordsmanship, or kenjutsu.Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sport-like physical elements.-Practitioners:Practitioners...
, karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
, aikido
Aikido
is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to...
, shorinji kempo
Shorinji Kempo
was established by as a system for self-improvement and training in Japan in 1947 based on Shaolin kungfu ....
, kyūdō
Kyudo
, literally meaning "way of the bow", is the Japanese art of archery. It is a modern Japanese martial art and practitioners are known as .It is estimated that there are approximately half a million practitioners of kyudo today....
, naginata
Naginata
The naginata is one of several varieties of traditionally made Japanese blades in the form of a pole weapon. Naginata were originally used by the samurai class in feudal Japan, and naginata were also used by ashigaru and sōhei .-Description:A naginata consists of a wooden shaft with a curved...
, etc.) are held annually at the Budokan. For wrestling fans the Budokan means professional wrestling
Professional wrestling
Professional wrestling is a mode of spectacle, combining athletics and theatrical performance.Roland Barthes, "The World of Wrestling", Mythologies, 1957 It takes the form of events, held by touring companies, which mimic a title match combat sport...
's big shows. Now, the Budokan is mostly used by Pro Wrestling Noah
Pro Wrestling Noah
is a major Japanese professional wrestling promotion, founded in 2000 by former All Japan Pro Wrestling ace Mitsuharu Misawa. NOAH is broadcast weekly in Japan...
, who often hold major events there.
Music
The BeatlesThe Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
were the first rock group to perform here, in a series of shows in June/July 1966; their appearances were met with opposition from those who felt the appearance of a western pop group would defile the martial arts arena.
However, the Budokan gained worldwide fame when American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
artists Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick is an American rock band from Rockford, Illinois, formed in 1973. The band consists of members Robin Zander , Rick Nielsen , Tom Petersson , and Bun E...
and Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, musician, poet, film director and painter. He has been a major and profoundly influential figure in popular music and culture for five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when he was an informal chronicler and a seemingly...
used the arena to record their concert albums, Cheap Trick at Budokan (1978) and Bob Dylan at Budokan
Bob Dylan at Budokan
Bob Dylan at Budokan is a live album by Bob Dylan, released in 1979 by Columbia Records. It was recorded during his 1978 world tour and is composed mostly of the artist's "greatest hits"...
(1979), respectively. In explaining the popularity of the venue for live albums, Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton
Eric Patrick Clapton, CBE, is an English guitarist and singer-songwriter. Clapton is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: once as a solo artist, and separately as a member of The Yardbirds and Cream. Clapton has been referred to as one of the most important and...
described the Tokyo audience as "almost overappreciative" in interviews promoting his own live Just One Night
Just One Night (Eric Clapton album)
Just One Night is a live double album by blues rocker Eric Clapton, released in 1980. It was recorded live at the Budokan Theatre, Tokyo, December 1979 when Clapton was touring with his last record, Backless. The sleeve contains a Japanese painting by Ken Konno...
(1980), recorded at Budokan.
Other artists to release live recordings from this venue include:
- BlurBlur (band)Blur is an English alternative rock band. Formed in London in 1989 as Seymour, the group consists of singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree. Blur's debut album Leisure incorporated the sounds of Madchester and shoegazing...
recorded a live compilation CD here at the height of BritpopBritpopBritpop is a subgenre of alternative rock that originated in the United Kingdom. Britpop emerged from the British independent music scene of the early 1990s and was characterised by bands influenced by British guitar pop music of the 1960s and 1970s... - Pearl JamPearl JamPearl Jam is an American rock band that formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990. Since its inception, the band's line-up has included Eddie Vedder , Jeff Ament , Stone Gossard , and Mike McCready...
recorded an official bootleg at Budokan in 2003 during their Riot Act tour. - Deep PurpleDeep PurpleDeep Purple are an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. Along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, they are considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although some band members believe that their music cannot be categorised as belonging to any one genre...
for the last of the three concerts making up their Made in JapanMade in Japan (album)Made in Japan is a double live album by English rock band Deep Purple, recorded during their first tour of Japan in August 1972. It was originally released in December 1972, with a U.S...
live album - Tin MachineTin MachineTin Machine was a hard rock band formed in 1988, famous for being fronted by singer David Bowie. The group recorded two studio albums before dissolving in 1992, when Bowie returned to his solo career...
who recorded a portion of Tin Machine Live: Oy Vey, BabyTin Machine Live: Oy Vey, BabyTin Machine Live: Oy Vey, Baby is a live album by Tin Machine originally released by London Records in 1992. It was to be the group's last release, and was recorded on the 1991–1992 It's My Life Tour. The title, suggested by Hunt Sales, was intended as a play on U2's album Achtung Baby.The album... - Quincy JonesQuincy JonesQuincy Delightt Jones, Jr. is an American record producer and musician. A conductor, musical arranger, film composer, television producer, and trumpeter. His career spans five decades in the entertainment industry and a record 79 Grammy Award nominations, 27 Grammys, including a Grammy Legend...
, Live At Budokan (1981) - Dream TheaterDream TheaterDream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Petrucci, John Myung, and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts. They subsequently dropped out of their studies to further concentrate on the band that would...
(who recorded a live 2DVD/3CD Live at Budokan) - Ozzy OsbourneOzzy OsbourneJohn Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne is an English vocalist, whose musical career has spanned over 40 years. Osbourne rose to prominence as lead singer of the pioneering English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, whose radically different, intentionally dark, harder sound helped spawn the heavy metal...
(who filmed Live at BudokanLive at Budokan (Ozzy Osbourne album)Live at Budokan is a CD/DVD combination released by heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne on June 25, 2002. It was recorded at the Nippon Budokan Hall on February 15, 2002 in Tokyo, Japan.-CD:#"I Don't Know" – 5:51...
) - Michael Schenker GroupMichael Schenker GroupThe Michael Schenker Group is a guitar-oriented hard rock band formed in 1979 by former Scorpions and UFO guitarist, Michael Schenker. In 1986, Schenker and vocalist Robin McAuley formed the McAuley Schenker Group, which lasted until 1992. After that, the Michael Schenker Group was reformed.The...
, One Night at BudokanOne Night at Budokan-1982 Original LP:All songs written by Michael Schenker and Gary Barden except where noted.-Side 1:# "Armed and Ready" - 6:20# "Cry for the Nations" - 5:32# "Attack of the Mad Axeman" - 4:50-Side 2:# "But I Want More" - 5:24# "Victim of Illusion" - 6:18...
(1982) - OasisOasis (band)Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Originally known as The Rain, the group was formed by Liam Gallagher , Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs , Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan and Tony McCarroll , who were soon joined by Liam's older brother Noel Gallagher...
, Three Nights in a Judo Arena (1998) - Faye WongFaye WongFaye Wong is a highly successful and influential Chinese singer-songwriter and actress who is usually referred to as a diva . Early in her career she briefly used the stage name Shirley Wong . Born in Beijing, she moved to Hong Kong in 1987 and rose to stardom in the early 1990s by singing...
, "Budokan Live" (1999) - BlurBlur (band)Blur is an English alternative rock band. Formed in London in 1989 as Seymour, the group consists of singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree. Blur's debut album Leisure incorporated the sounds of Madchester and shoegazing...
Live at the Budokan - Judas PriestJudas PriestJudas Priest are an English heavy metal band from Birmingham, England, formed in 1969. The current line-up consists of lead vocalist Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis. The band has gone through several drummers over the years,...
Rising in the EastRising In the EastRising in the East is a live DVD of Judas Priest performing a concert in Tokyo's Nippon Budokan filmed in May 2005.-Release:Heavy metal icons Judas Priest released the live DVD 'Rising In the East' on November 15, 2005, via Rhino Home Video....
(2005) - Bay City RollersBay City RollersThe Bay City Rollers were a Scottish pop band who were most popular in the 1970s. The British Hit Singles & Albums noted that they were "tartan teen sensations from Edinburgh", and were "the first of many acts heralded as the 'Biggest Group since The Beatles' and one of the most screamed-at...
, Rollerworld, Live at the Budokan 1977 - Doobie Brothers, Live at Budokan (1993)
- Avril LavigneAvril LavigneAvril Ramona Lavigne is a Canadian singer-songwriter. She was born in Belleville, Ontario, but spent most of her youth in the small town of Napanee. By the age of 15, she had appeared on stage with Shania Twain; by 16, she had signed a two-album recording contract with Arista Records worth more...
, Live at Budokan: Bonez Tour (2005) - Mr. BigMr. Big (band)Mr. Big is an American rock supergroup, formed in Los Angeles, California in 1988. The band is a quartet composed of Eric Martin , Paul Gilbert , Billy Sheehan , and Pat Torpey ; Mr. Big also included Richie Kotzen, a reputable blues-based guitarist who replaced Gilbert in 1999...
(who recorded Live at Budokan (Mr. Big album)Live at Budokan (Mr. Big album)Live at Budokan is a live album by the hard rock band Mr. Big. It was released in 1997.-Track listing:#"Intro/Piano"#"Trapped in Toyland"#"Take Cover"#"Green-Tinted Sixties Mind"#"Jane Doe"...
in 1997, and Back to BudokanBack to BudokanBack to Budokan is a live album CD and DVD by the hard rock band Mr. Big. The performance was recorded at Budokan in Tokyo, Japan Jun 20, 2009.-Disc 1:# "Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy " - 4:48# "Take Cover" - 4:46...
in 2009) - Bryan AdamsBryan AdamsBryan Adams, is a Canadian rock singer-songwriter, guitarist, bassist, producer, actor and photographer. Adams has won dozens of awards and nominations, including 20 Juno Awards among 56 nominations. He has also received 15 Grammy Award nominations including a win for Best Song Written...
(Live at the Budokan) - Taylor SwiftTaylor SwiftTaylor Alison Swift is an American country pop singer-songwriter, musician and actress.In 2006, she released her debut single "Tim McGraw", then her self-titled debut album, which was subsequently certified multi-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America...
- Dir En GreyDir en greyDir En Grey is a Japanese metal band formed in 1997 and currently signed to Firewall Div., a sub-division of Free-Will. As of 2011, they have recorded eight full-length records...
(Uroboros -With the Proof in the Name of Living...- At Nippon BudokanUroboros -With the Proof in the Name of Living...- At Nippon BudokanUroboros -With the Proof in the Name of Living...- At Nippon Budokan is a live DVD from Dir En Grey released May 26, 2010 in Japan, May 25, 2010 in US and May/June 2010 in Europe...
) - JourneyJourney (band)Journey is an American rock band formed in 1973 in San Francisco by former members of Santana. The band has gone through several phases; its strongest commercial success occurred between the 1978 and 1987, after which it temporarily disbanded...
(Live at Budokan)
The original Beatles concert is heavily bootlegged on audio and video; the first night's concert video was officially released by Apple
Apple Records
Apple Records is a record label founded by The Beatles in 1968, as a division of Apple Corps Ltd. It was initially intended as a creative outlet for the Beatles, both as a group and individually, plus a selection of other artists including Mary Hopkin, James Taylor, Badfinger, and Billy Preston...
in Japan only as Beatles Concert at Budokan 1966, and excerpts are shown in The Beatles Anthology
The Beatles Anthology
The Beatles Anthology is the name of a documentary series, a set of three double albums and a book focusing on the history of The Beatles. Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr all participated in the making and approval of the works, which are sometimes referred to collectively as the...
, while the second Anthology album
Anthology 2
Anthology 2 is a compilation album by The Beatles, released by Apple Records in March 1996. It is the second of the three-volume Anthology collection, all of which tie-in with the televised special The Beatles Anthology. The opening track is "Real Love", the second of the two recordings that...
included the first show's performances of "Rock and Roll Music
Rock and Roll Music
"Rock and Roll Music" is a song written and recorded by rock and roll icon Chuck Berry which became a hit single in 1957 and has been covered by many artists....
" and "She's A Woman
She's a Woman
"She's a Woman" is a song by The Beatles. It was released as the B-side to "I Feel Fine" in 1964, their last single release that year. It reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 from frequent airplay.-Composition:...
". The venue is one of the stages in The Beatles: Rock Band
The Beatles: Rock Band
The Beatles: Rock Band is a 2009 music video game developed by Harmonix Music Systems, published by MTV Games, and distributed by Electronic Arts. It is the third major console release in the Rock Band music video game series, in which players can simulate the playing of rock music by using...
video game. Chatmonchy
Chatmonchy
' is a two-piece all-female rock band which consists of Eriko Hashimoto , Akiko Fukuoka , and formerly Kumiko Takahashi who are from Tokushima Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, Japan....
currently holds the record for the largest crowd at Budokan.
Other events
A national ceremony to mourn the Second World War dead is held with the attendance of the Prime MinisterPrime Minister of Japan
The is the head of government of Japan. He is appointed by the Emperor of Japan after being designated by the Diet from among its members, and must enjoy the confidence of the House of Representatives to remain in office...
, the Emperor
Emperor of Japan
The Emperor of Japan is, according to the 1947 Constitution of Japan, "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people." He is a ceremonial figurehead under a form of constitutional monarchy and is head of the Japanese Imperial Family with functions as head of state. He is also the highest...
and the Empress annually in Budokan on August 15, the day of Japan's surrender.
As well as holding the Live Concert in appreciation of the Popular Anime series Lucky Star:Live in Budokan (Anata No Tame Dakara)
External links
- Nippon Budokan official website
- Nippon Budokan Map
- 1964 Summer Olympics official report. Volume 1. Part 1. pp. 128–30.