Queen arrives in Japan for its first Asian tour

On this day 50 years ago, more than 1,000 sources (some sources say 3,000), fans greeted the Queen when its members arrived at the Haneda Airport in Tokyo before its first Asian tour. They played eight shows in seven cities here, starting with Nippon Budokan, a show built before the first judo competition held at the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 1964. It was the beginning of a deep connection between the band and Japan, and the Japan Anniversary Society officially recognized the Queen’s Day celebrated by fans.

Image © Koh Hasebe

From support law to headline news

In December 1974, just months before the tour, the Queen appeared on the cover of a Japanese magazine Musical Life. Kaoruko Dogo, the publication’s former editor-in-chief, arranged an interview with the group. Meeting Roger Taylor and John Deacon are at a restaurant in New York. At the time, they were in the city’s support law by British rock band Mott the Hoople. Togo saw the Queen’s performance and was convinced that they would be welcomed by Japanese women. Of course she is not wrong.

After touring with Mott the Hoople, the Queen begins making her third album Heart attackThe album was released in November 1974. The album ranked second in the UK, sold well throughout Europe and earned gold in the US. Four years after its formation, the band began to enjoy some international success. However, the reaction they received in Japan still shocked them. Until then, they had never received such a reception at the airport.

2019 book, 1975 – 1985 Japan’s Queen’s Live Travel – Original notes Musical Life – describe The commotion they arrived. “The group was screaming loudly and happily by fans and they were screaming. The fans pulled the members’ hair and clothes, and the members were even worried about their personal safety… After arriving at the Tokyo Prince Hotel, they were welcomed by another 100 fans who created a noisy scene in the hall, taking members to the room on the sixth floor.

1975, Queen of Tokyo budokan | brianmay.com

Living in Gothenkan

Two days later, the band held their first concert in Godaan in Japan, the same location the Beatles A famous performance nine years ago. The four members were told that the Japanese audience was quiet and would stay in their seats during the show. However, reality is very different. Once, singer Freddie Mercury even had to keep the hilarious fans calm. this exhibitIt started with “Now I Now” and ended with “Look at the Fools I’ve been to”, which was a huge success.

The next day, the band held a tea ceremony in front of the Tokyo Tower. Koh Hasebe was the first Japanese photographer to capture Fab Four when they took the scene with women wearing kimono. After filming the TV show that night, they went to Nagoa for their second performance the next morning. Before the show, Mercury, Deacon and Taylor enjoyed some sightseeing at Nagoya Castle, including rhymes on Japanese nurseries.Teru Teru Bozu,” May executes.

Their next concert was held at Kobe, followed by a sightseeing trip in Kyoto where Mercury bought one. maneki-neko (Teacher Cat Statue), while the other three play Pachiko. Later that night, the Queen headed to Fukuoka and the crowd was particularly noisy. Afterwards, they head to Okayama, Kamaogawa and Yokohama, and then return to Tokyo to perform again in Gothenkan. They left Japan on May 2. Five days later, Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, arrived at Haneda Airport.

Image © Koh Hasebe

The Queen’s passionate connection with Japan

That was the Queen’s only official visit to Japan. On the other hand, the band returned five more times, with the last tour with Mercury becoming a 1985 singer. according to Greg Brooks, the Queen’s official archivist: “The bands fell in love with Japan.” To appreciate the support she received in this country, the Queen closed the 1976 album, A day of competitionwith the song “Teo Torriatte (Let’s Hold on)” where two choruses are sung in Japanese.

Kaz Utsunomiya, the band’s concert promoter and friend, believes the queen has taken another approach to other groups, which has had a lasting impact on fans here. “Many international bands come to Japan, they go to Tokyo and Osaka, right? Very few opportunities to see culture outside of Tokyo, and this band starts from day one…helps the band understand Japanese culture, Japanese history and a little like Japanese fans,” he explain.

Fans here have appreciated the group since and remained true to them. A special event was held on this day of ten years ago in the Tiat Sky Hall of Hanida Airport to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Queen’s birth. In addition to the Queen’s tribute, it also has a panel discussion with the Japanese who participated in the band’s tour. The band’s celebrations are not limited to the big anniversary – Queen’s Day is celebrated with special events every year, including screenings of the band’s music and movies.

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