I have recently come to realize that I am a bit captivated by Marilyn’s trip to Japan in 1954.  The basics of the trip are fairly well-known, mostly as a chapter in the book of Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio marital drama.  The story goes, M & J went to Japan as an unofficial ‘honeymoon’.  Joe had a baseball related gig in Japan, Marilyn…who had never left the continent came along to spend time with Joe away from Hollywood.  Simultaneously.. the US had troops stationed in Korea, and Marilyn was invited to entertain the troops.  Joe was hesitant about his wife on display..(which brings us to a giant ‘Huh??!’ because after all, he did marry Marilyn Monroe).  He told her to not pack the purple  dress.  She packed the purple dress.

Joe was also hesitant because Marilyn didn’t have an act, little did he realize that she was the act.  She came in helicopter in fatigues and made the pilot swoop down so she could wave to the soldiers.  It is freezing cold.  She performed.   She was brilliant. She comes out onto the stage  in only the slinky purple dress and heels.  She is Marilyn, She sings. she is stunning. she has no studio behind her. no fear. all confidence. the crowd roars.  Marilyn has been quoted on saying it was the greatest moment of her life.

Until Japan, Marilyn Monroe was never officially regarded as an act. Sure, folks knew this peroxide blonde didn’t crawl out of the womb the way she is.  She also already had plenty of  studio appearances as “Marilyn Monroe” for various events…but this was the time she was the full-on Marilyn Monroe for a huge events, without the studio.  I think in Japan, Miss Monroe truly realized what a fantastical creation she managed to pull of, and in spades.

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