|
John Lennon Museum (Saitama, Japan)
My visit to the museum on March 20th, 2004
- It was John & Yoko's 35th wedding anniversary. |
|
My attitude toward JLM (John Lennon Museum)
before this visit was, "OK, they have
his guitars, his costumes, hand written lyrics,
etc. etc... I guess I'll go, since I will
be in Tokyo."
I was wrong. When I was watching the video
about John's life in the first room, I was
already close to tears. After that, I really
took time to see all the exibitions they
have, from his childhood to NY days. John's
leather jacket, first and second Rickenbackers,
hand written lyrics, Sgt. Pepper suit, Epiphone
Casino, his glasses... all that stuff I've
seen in photo or video, were in front of
me. It was just so amazing and touching.
|
at the entrance |
 
flyer (front & back) |
By the way, did you know John's Sgt. Pepper
suit is actually yellow, not light green?
Maybe this is a famouse fact, but I didn't
know. JLM also has the hat and shoes along
the suit, which they did not use for the
photo session.
They have a cafe, which features menus from
the place where John used to visit in Karuizawa,
Japan with Yoko and Sean. Unfortunately,
they were closed for a wedding party on that
day (yes, you can have your wedding ceremony
there) so I could not try famouse English
milk tea (John's favorite). |
In the "final room", they have all
these words and lyrics by John, written
on
a white wall and clear glass wall.
I sat
there reading these word, listening
to "Out
the blue" in background. I don't
know
how to express this feeling, but it
was a
very special moment. I'll never forget
it.
I was there about 2 hours, I wish I
could
stay a little longer, but I had to
leave.
I know that this is not the kind of place I
can say "You got to go there",
since it is far away (14 hour flight from
NY). But If you do go, it will be worth the
trip. Of course, you have lots of things
to do & see in Tokyo, aside from JLM,
it's a wonderful city.
Let's hope that Yoko will open a place like
this in New York or somewhere more convinient
for all John Lennon fans. Well, you never
know....
All photos by Naomi (c) 2004
|
at the entrance
cafe menu |
ticket counter |
in the piano room |
the hall for special events |
outside through the tapestry |
|
JLM news letter |
JLM souvenir and a program |
|