Press conference: John Lennon in Tokyo

John Lennon and Yoko Ono held a press conference at the Hotel Okura in Tokyo, Japan, on 4 October 1977.

Lennon had arrived in Tokyo on 11 May, travelling with his son Sean, their personal assistant Nishi Saimaru, and Sean’s nanny Masako. The main purpose of the trip was for Ono’s family to meet Sean, who turned two on 9 October.

Lennon stayed in Japan until 7 October, arriving back in New York the following day.

The press conference lasted for around 45 minutes. It was mainly conducted in Japanese, with Ono translating questions intended for Lennon. The Melody Maker was the only Western publication present.

We’ve basically decided, without a great decision, to be with our baby as much as we can until we feel we can take the time off to indulge ourselves in creating things outside the family.

Maybe when he’s three, four or five, then we’ll think about creating something else other than the child.

Basically, I’m now a Zen pagan.

Lennon was also asked for his thoughts on Elvis Presley, who had died on 16 August 1977, aged 42.

Elvis died when he went into the Army. Up until he joined the Army, I thought it was beautiful music, and Elvis was for me and my generation what The Beatles were to the Sixties. I basically became a musician because of Elvis Presley.