It’s thirty-one years ago today that John Lennon died, but his face is still very visible in Japan. In fact, not just his face, but his distinctive facial wear too.
Now how many pairs they actually sell is anybody’s guess, but this shop appears to stock nothing but those instantly recognisable round glasses.
Imagine that.
kate545 says
Lennon love was pretty big when I lived in Tokyo. I think it has something to do with him being married to a Japanese, no matter how outre she may be. I was there 31 years ago and it was pretty much a national day of mourning.
Lee says
I agree, marrying Yoko Ono definitely made him even more famous in Japan. A fame that has stood the test of time too.
That’s fascinating. I can only imagine what Tokyo was like 31 years ago. And even more so what it was like on that particular day.
renita walsh says
. . . and maybe because of the John Lennon Museum in Saitama Perfecture.
Lee says
Yes, such a pity it closed. I was really impressed with the design of it.
pippin says
They also double as the iconic potter glasses.
Lee says
That’s very true. I’d forgotten about the boy wizard.
Mark Moore says
RIP Check this one take Imagine video out –> http://youtu.be/bUtMZgtHkVY
wibi udayana says
You can get them at the Asakusa markets infront of the shrine for only 1,000yen~ I regret not buying them :,(
faiez says
Are you sure that’s John Lennon? Not Harry Potter? LOL!
Pascal Söpper says
Just amazing. Would you mind telling me, where this shop is?
I’ve been looking for John Lennon style glasses for ages.
I’ve been to the museum twice, too bad it is closed. I really enjoyed it.
BTW, this is my first comment on your site, but I’m a regular reader for about three years now.
Keep on the good work! Your blog is really good and slightly different from all the other Japan themed ones.
Lee says
Yes, I liked the museum too, thought it was very well designed.
It’s in Jimbocho. Just head towards where the bookshops are and you can’t miss it.
Oh, and thanks a lot for the nice words. Very kind of you to say so.
Pascal says
Thanks a lot. I’ll make sure to check it out next time I’m in Tokyo.
Pascal says
Hello again,
after commenting here 1 1/2 years ago and now finally being back in Japan, last weekend I was in Jimbocho. And, unbelievably the shop still looks the same as on the picture above. With the same picture of John Lennon and the glasses, which are a little pricy though. I didn’t intend to go to the shop, but rather stumbled upon it while being book-shopping in this area.
Really amazing how some things in Japan change so fast, while others seem to stand still.
Lee says
Excellent! Great to hear you got to visit. Funnily enough I passed by there yesterday, and like you say, it hasn’t changed one bit!