Nov. 29, 2006 - TOKYO -- The Capitol Tokyu Hotel, a Tokyo hotel that became widely known as the place the Beatles stayed when the British group visited Japan in 1966, will end its 43-year history Thursday as it will be torn down for a redevelopment project.

The hotel, owned by Tokyu Corp., held a farewell ceremony in its lobby Wednesday, with many guests and employees trying to hold back tears.

Started as the Tokyo Hilton Hotel in 1963, the hotel drew attention as Japan's first foreign-affiliated hotel. It adopted the current name in 1984 when its licensing contract with Hilton Hotels Corp. expired.

Many international celebrities, in addition to the Beatles, have stayed at the hotel, including Luciano Pavarotti, Michael Jackson, and Eric Clapton.

As it is located close to Nagatacho, Japan's political center, many Japanese political leaders have also used the Capitol Tokyu.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his predecessor Junichiro Koizumi were regular customers of a barber in the hotel.

The Capitol Tokyu will resume operating as a tenant in a 29-story commercial complex building due to be completed in 2010.

-----

To see more of Kyodo News International, go to http://www.kyodonews.com

Copyright (c) 2006, Kyodo News International, Tokyo

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. 9005,