The Nippon Budokan welcomed Judo into the Olympic Games in 1964 and will once again serve as the venue 57 years on. 

Even with the significance of the occasion, the Australian team remains unfazed according to coach Daniel Kelley. 

“I’ve been here about 40 times. Everyone’s been to the Budokan, the home of judo, many times. It’s very familiar and comfortable,” Kelly said. 

As to whether the home venue will provide any advantage to the strong Japanese Jodokas, Kelly suggests that it's far more nuanced than meets the eye. 

“There is a lot of pressure on them for the home Games. We saw them at the world titles in 2019 and some of them shone and did really well, and others, it was difficult for them.” 

However, the legacy of the venue isn’t the only history on show. 

Australian Nathan Katz will kick off his second Olympic Games against Peru’s Jian Postigos in Day 2’s 60kg Men’s round of 32.

For the Katz family, Judo is a family affair. 

Nathan competed at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games alongside brother Josh to become the first Australian Brothers to compete in Judo at the same Games. But, the family ties go deeper. 

Katz’s mother Kerrye compete in the Seoul 1988 Games where judo served as a demonstration sport for woman. His father, Robert, coached that team in 1988 and his sons in 2016. 

On Day 2, Katz will write yet another chapter in the history books. 

The Men’s 60kg round of 32 begins at 12:00pm (AEST). 

Matthew Barnard