JAL to re-release Japanese coats once worn by The Beatles for limited time

Now’s your change to look just like John, Paul, George, and Ringo did when they first touched down in Tokyo in 1966.

In 1966, The Beatles where riding a wave of popularity more massive than is often seen in music. Their songs were reaching all corners of the globe and causing a frenzy of fandom among teens everywhere.

In that year in the early morning of 29 June, the Fab Four touched down at Haneda airport having been delayed by a typhoon. Reporters and fans braved the storm and sleeplessness to catch a glimpse of the band as they exited the aircraft only to find that they were all dressed in traditional Japanese festival robe-like coats called happi.

Through our jaded 2016 eyes, it would appear to be a bit of stealth marketing on the part of JAL since each happi had the airline’s initials prominently printed on it. But actually these were amenities given to all first class passengers at the time called “Happy Coats” in an obvious pun.

Nothing lasts forever though, and at some point over the past 50 years the Happy Coat was removed from JAL’s line-up of freebies for premium fliers. So anyone looking to sport the same style The Beatles did that one day would be out of luck.

However, for a very limited time JAL is bringing back the Happy Coat from now to the end of the year. Anyone who rides first class from London to Haneda on flight JL044 between 15 and 31 December will receive the Happy Coat. In addition, those who fly business class departing on 24 or 25 December can also get the happi.

Considering the hefty price tag that would come with these seats during the holiday season, you would have to be a special kind of Beatles’ fan to book a ticket just for a replica shirt. Although we have to admit, it is probably easier than traveling back in time to actually become The Beatles, as is the plot of one Japanese manga, because of course it is.

Source: JAL via Japaaan
Top image: YouTube/Sam Rye
Insert images: JAL

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