The new National Stadium is open for business, having survived a December opening gala featuring J-pop icons Arashi and the 2019 Emperor's Cup final with a number of online grumbles but few out-and-out disasters.

But is that enough to earn the $1.4 billion centerpiece of the 2020 Tokyo Games a passing mark as a soccer venue?

Just over two months after it was originally scheduled to host the final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, the controversial venue made its "competitive" debut on New Year's Day when it hosted the Emperor's Cup climax between Vissel Kobe and Kashima Antlers.