History

The Nippon Budokan in Tokyo was built for the 1964 Olympic Games as a martial-arts hall — the name means roughly 'martial arts hall' — an octagonal building near the Imperial Palace whose roof echoes Mount Fuji. It was understood as a place of some solemnity, which is why the Beatles playing five shows there between June 30 and July 2, 1966 caused a genuine national controversy: right-wing groups objected to a Western pop group performing in a hall built for budo, there were threats, and the band played under heavy police protection. They were the first rock act to appear there. Everything the Budokan later became to touring musicians — the prestige Tokyo date, the live album recorded there — follows from those five nights.

Its Place in the Scene

Tokyo's Olympic martial-arts hall, and the first Japanese venue to host a Western rock band — controversially, in 1966.

The Facts

Shows at this Venue