The Tokyo National Stadium, built for this year’s Olympic Games hosted it’s first official game on New Year’s Day with the Emperor’s Cup final between Vissel Kobe and Kashima Antlers.
Football fans turned out to watch World Cup winners Andres Iniesta, Lukas Podolski and David Villa, play in the match, which was the first sporting event to be held at the venue.
The stadium was completed on schedule in November before Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt ran on the track during an opening event last month.
Wednesday’s match also served as a test event for the Olympic games, with organisers identifying a need for improved signage and information for fans who needed more information about moving around the stadium.
