The city of Yanagawa in southern Fukuoka Prefecture has announced plans to purchase the remains of the residence of Yoko Ono’s grandfather and turn it into a tourist attraction. The site, which is located along one of city’s famed canals, still retains a majestic gate typical of a samurai residence. Yoko Ono, now 81, is an artist and widow of ex-Beatle John Lennon. She grew up in Tokyo, where her father was a prominent financier, but is said to have paid an off-the-radar visit to her grandfather’s residence in 1989. Yanagawa City decided to purchase the land, which is now owned by someone living outside of the prefecture, when rumors of a plan to build a convalescent home there sprang up. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 7/3
Photo for image purpose only (residence not pictured).
