The men's C-2 500 metres event was an open-style, pairs canoeing event conducted as part of the Canoeing at the 1976 Summer Olympics program.
The top three finishers from each of the heats advanced directly to the semifinals and the remaining nine teams were relegated to the repechages.
Taking place on July 28, the top three finishers from each of the repechages advanced to the semifinals.
Japan's reason for disqualification was not disclosed in the official report.
The top three finishers from each of the semifinals advanced to the final.