60 Years Since The Beatles Arrived in Tokyo
On 29 June 1966, The Beatles arrived in Tokyo for a series of performances at the Nippon Budokan during what would become their final world tour. Sixty years later, Hello, Goodbye: The Beatles in Tokyo, 1966 remains the most intimate photographic record of that remarkable visit.
Created in collaboration with renowned Japanese photographer Shimpei Asai — the only Japanese photographer granted close access to the band during their stay — the edition captures The Beatles onstage, behind the scenes and away from the crowds, revealing a quieter side of one of the most documented groups in history.
As the edition approaches the final chapter of its availability from Genesis, remaining Collector copies now include an exclusive signed photographic print created to commemorate the 60th anniversary of The Beatles' arrival in Japan.
'This is a side of The Beatles – relaxed, comfortable and intrigued by a world that, for them, was new and exotic – that we don't often see. And thanks to Asai, we are virtually in the suite with them.' – Allan Kozinn
'I first heard The Beatles accidentally on the radio. I was just stunned. I pulled over in my car and stopped by the road and for a while I stared at the leaves of the trees trembling in the breeze.' – Shimpei Asai
Shimpei Asai is the only Japanese photographer to have gained access to The Beatles in Tokyo, and his photos have remained unknown to most outside Japan. They offer an intimate portrait of The Beatles in their first trip to the country, capturing their time on and off stage: performing, painting and experimenting with traditional Japanese instruments.
Following The Beatles from their arrival at Haneda Aiport to their departure for the Philippines, Asai captured everything from their hotel rooms to their live performances, all with a spontaneity which offers a glance into the lives of the Fab Four towards the end of their touring years.
'Never before published outside of Japan, Asai's images give a surprisingly intimate glimpse into the Beatles' behind-the-scenes world during their final year as a live band.' – Rolling Stone
'The same thing will never happen to another group. four personalities, their music, Brian Epstein and the staff who supported them, and the strong energy of fans made The Beatles.' – Shimpei Asai
Asai describes his experience of photographing The Beatles, recounts John Lennon and Paul McCartney's attempts to escape from their hotel to see the city, and revisits the atmosphere of their live performances.
The manuscript is introduced with an essay by journalist and author Allan Kozinn, who considers the historical significance of The Beatles visit and the turning point they were about to reach with the release of Revolver.
'When The Beatles left England on 23 June, the album was still unnamed. Revolver was a contender, along with Abracadabra and The Beatles on Safari. It was in Tokyo, during the endless hours they sat in their suite at the Hilton, that they finally settled the matter, and on 2 July they cabled their decision to EMI in London.' – Allan Kozinn
'A young photographer whose eye and lens caught both the public grandeur and intimate minutia of The Beatles Japanese visit.' – Allan Kozinn
Asai has won awards from the Tokyo Art Directors Club and the Tokyo Copywriter's Club. His work is regularly featured by Canon, and he has created award-winning movie posters, for films such as Parco.
In 1991, Asai opened a gallery for his work, the Seaside Museum in Chiba, and continues to work on various artistic projects, most recently combining his photos with Haiku poetry. As well as photography, Asai has also branched out into filmmaking, (writing, directing and filming Kidnapping Blues in 1982) and has made numerous Japanese TV appearances.
To mark the 60th anniversary of The Beatles' arrival in Tokyo, each remaining Collector copy of Hello, Goodbye now includes an exclusive 10" × 8" photographic print signed by Shimpei Asai.
Reproducing one of Asai's rare photographs taken during The Beatles' performances at the Nippon Budokan on 1 July 1966, the second day of their three-day Tokyo engagement, the print captures the energy and spectacle of the band's historic Japanese concerts.
Individually signed by Asai using his Japanese signature and suitable for framing, the archival giclée print has been created exclusively to mark the 60th anniversary of The Beatles' arrival in Tokyo and accompanies the final copies of the edition available from Genesis.
Signed by: Shimpei Asai
Print size: 25.4cm x 20.3cm (10" x 8")
Method: Archival giclée
Paper: Hahnemühle Photo Rag Pearl, 320gsm
Edition: Limited to the final remaining copies
Commemorating the year of The Beatles' historic visit to Tokyo, Collector copies are numbered 351 to 1,966. Each copy is signed by photographer Shimpei Asai.
Quarter-bound in red leather and black buckram with gold page edging, the front cover is silk-screen printed and gold-foiled with Asai's iconic photo of The Beatles' onstage at the Budokan. The book’s ribbon page marker includes a facsimile Beatles Budokan concert ticket.
The finished volume is presented in a handcrafted slipcase printed with the distinctive pattern of the traditional happi coats presented to The Beatles upon their arrival in Tokyo on 29 June 1966, and finished with red leather trim.
Offering an intimate portrait of the band during the final year of their touring career, Hello, Goodbye presents over 204 pages of words and photographs published for the first time outside Japan (page size: 250mm × 300mm / 9 ⅘” × 11 ⅘”).
To mark the 60th anniversary of The Beatles' arrival in Japan, the final remaining Collector copies now include an exclusive photographic print signed by Shimpei Asai, suitable for framing (10" × 8").
'Through Shimpei Asai's intimate lens, The Beatles seem relaxed in the eye of the storm. His beautifully presented Genesis collection captures the quartet on stage, chilling out, in Noh theatre masks, playing kotos in kimonos.' – MOJO
60th Anniversary Presentation
Final copies now include an exclusive signed Shimpei Asai print.
Select from the following copies:
A limited edition of rare photographs documenting the Beatles' visit to Tokyo and their historic Budokan concerts. Taken by photographer Shimpei Asai, these pictures are previously unpublished outside of Japan. They offer an intimate portrait of The Beatles on and off stage during their final tour.
Since 1974 Genesis has created signed limited edition books on behalf of authors and artists ranging from the Beatles to Buckingham Palace.
Genesis news and special offers direct to your inbox.
For enquiries, please call
+44 (0)1483 540970
Genesis House, 2 Jenner Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3PL, England
