In December 1969, while in Canada for their peace campaign, John Lennon and Yoko Ono recorded a message for Japanese radio from Ronnie Hawkins’ home, featuring Japanese phrases, guitar playing, and their peace message, including snippets of songs and Ono’s plans for future peace events. This was part of their broader “War Is Over (If You Want It)” campaign, using media to promote peace amid the Vietnam War.

During the second morning of their peace crusade in Canada, the iconic duo John Lennon and Yoko Ono taped a special segment intended for a Japanese radio audience. The session was held at the Ontario residence of musician Ronnie Hawkins, where the couple was being hosted throughout their stay.

The broadcast opens with a brief Japanese introduction followed by a rendition of “Give Peace A Chance.” This opening segment, which runs for roughly sixty seconds, concludes with John playfully repeating the phrase “moshi moshi” in a lighthearted imitation of Japanese phone etiquette.

The bulk of the ten-minute tape features Ono speaking her native language while Lennon provides a soft backdrop of acoustic guitar. Listeners can catch glimpses of “Sun King,” “Dear Prudence,” and an early sketch of “Mind Games” (then titled “Make Love Not War”) drifting through his casual improvisation. In an unscripted moment, Lennon even pauses to take a phone call.

Throughout the recording, Ono outlines her vision for the peace movement and an upcoming music festival.

She reflects on her recent travels with Lennon through Italy and India, expressing her desire to visit Japan again in the coming year.