A day for the Beatles

There are two days dedicated to the Beatles in Japan annually. The first is today, February 4th, which was an anniversary created to link to their nickname "Fab 4", which sounds like "Feb 4"! The other anniversary is June 29th, which marks the Beatles first visit to Japan in 1966.

"Fab 4" is short for "fabulous 4" and it relates to the four members of the band: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. The Beatles are widely recognized as one of the most influential bands of all time. Even though they disbanded in 1970, their achievements remain extraordinary and earned them recognition in the Guinness World Records as the "most successful group".

The Beatles were huge in Japan. Still are to a degree. Their presence is still strong with songs appearing in Japanese school music textbooks and things like record shops, tribute bands, and themed cafés (like the long‑running Abbey Road in Roppongi) maintain a steady fan culture. You can even get Beatles paraphernalia from capsule toy machines, such as the one pictured, which is mini versions of their albums on key chains!