On Tour in Japan 1966
The
Beatles only visited Japan once, arriving in the early hours of June
1966 and departing three days later. They played five concerts at the
Nippon Budokan Arena. The tour faced serious challenges.
Eve of Tour threat
Days before they travelled an unsigned telegram arrived from Japan. It warned PLEASE DO NOT FLY TO TOKYO. YOUR CAREER IS IN DANGER.The
danger came from the choice of concert venue in Tokyo. The Budokan
Arena had been built for the 1964 Olympics to host gymnastics and
martial arts tournaments. For ultra nationalists, allowing a Western pop group to play there was an affront to national dignity.
Weather grounds flight
Unsettled, The Beatles flew out from Hamburg. Their 16 hour flight to
Tokyo was extended when Typhoon Kit forced an unscheduled stopover in
Anchorage, Alaska.
After a lengthy spell on the tarmac, they checked in to a local hotel at 3.30a.m. During the night local fan surrounded their hotel.
After a lengthy spell on the tarmac, they checked in to a local hotel at 3.30a.m. During the night local fan surrounded their hotel.
Back
at Anchorage Airport, The Beatles needed to change their clothes, but
these were still on the plane. Japanese Airline officials then provided
them with traditional Happi coats.
When they finally got to Tokyo, they were greeted by an armed police escort and unprecedented security.
The Beatles Live in Japan - five-minute advert-free-read with video, telling full story.
