Ariake Colosseum

Nestled in the heart of Tokyo's Ariake district, the Ariake Coliseum is a testament to Japan's commitment to sporting excellence. This indoor arena opened in 1987 and has become a cornerstone of the country's tennis scene, but its versatility extends far beyond the baseline.

With a seating capacity of 10,000 and a retractable roof that predates even Wimbledon's famous covering, the Coliseum has hosted a myriad of events that have left an indelible mark on Japan's sporting landscape. While tennis remains its primary focus, with the annual Japan Open Tennis Championships gracing its courts, the venue has also played host to various combat sports, including boxing and martial arts.

In the world of pugilism, the Ariake Coliseum has witnessed its fair share of fistic fury. On December 29, 2015, the arena reverberated with the cheers of fight fans as Japan's own Naoya Inoue, the "Monster" of boxing, successfully defended his WBO Super Flyweight world title. This event showcased the venue's capability to host world-class boxing matches and highlighted its significance in nurturing homegrown talent on the global stage.

The Coliseum's role in Japanese boxing extends beyond championship bouts. Despite its considerable capacity, its intimate setting provides an electric atmosphere for fighters and fans alike. The arena's wooden construction, a nod to Japan's rich architectural heritage, creates acoustics that amplify every punch thrown and every cheer from the crowd. This unique environment has made the Ariake Coliseum a favourite among promoters looking to create memorable boxing events that resonate with the sport's passion.

As Tokyo continues to evolve as a global sports hub, the Ariake Coliseum remains at the forefront of this transformation. Its location within the Ariake Tennis Forest Park, surrounded by additional courts and training facilities, cements its status as a premier sporting complex. While it may not have the storied boxing history of venues like Madison Square Garden or the MGM Grand, the Ariake Coliseum has carved out its niche in the boxing world, blending Japanese tradition with the raw excitement of the sweet science.