Yoko Ono's Milestones

Yoko Ono was a Japanese-American artist, musician, and activist, known for her avant-garde art, collaborations with John Lennon, and peace activism.
1933

Birth

Yoko Ono was born in Tokyo, Japan, to Eisuke Ono and Isoko Yasuda Ono.

Family February 18, 1933
1935

Early years in Japan and US

Lived in Tokyo, San Francisco, and New York due to father's banking career. Survived WWII in Tokyo, experienced hardship and displacement.

Family January 1, 1935 - June 1, 1946
1946

Elite schooling in Japan

Attended prestigious Gakushūin school in Tokyo, became classmates with future Emperor Akihito.

Education April 1, 1946 - March 1, 1951
1951

First woman in Gakushuin philosophy

Became first woman admitted to Gakushuin University's philosophy department, left after two semesters.

Education April 1, 1951 - June 1, 1952
1953

Moved to New York City

Moved to New York City to study at Sarah Lawrence College and immerse herself in the avant-garde art scene.

Location September 1, 1953
1956

Marriage to Toshi Ichiyanagi

Eloped with Japanese composer Toshi Ichiyanagi, divorcing in 1962.

Relationship January 1, 1956 - March 1, 1962

Avant-garde and Fluxus beginnings

Became active in New York's avant-garde scene, collaborating with John Cage, La Monte Young, and the Fluxus group. Hosted experimental events at her Chambers Street loft.

Achievement January 1, 1956 - November 1, 1961
1961

First solo exhibition

Held her first solo exhibition at AG Gallery in New York.

Achievement November 1, 1961
1962

Marriage to Anthony Cox and motherhood

Married Anthony Cox, gave birth to daughter Kyoko Chan Cox in 1963. Marriage ended in 1969.

Family November 28, 1962 - February 2, 1969
1964

Performance art and Cut Piece

Premiered 'Cut Piece' in Kyoto and Tokyo, a pioneering work of performance art.

Achievement July 20, 1964
1966

London and European exhibitions

Participated in Destruction in Art Symposium in London and exhibited in Europe, gaining international recognition.

Achievement September 1, 1966 - December 1, 1967

Met John Lennon

Met John Lennon at Indica Gallery in London while preparing her 'Unfinished Paintings' conceptual art exhibit.

Relationship November 7, 1966
1968

Artistic collaborations with Lennon

Collaborated with Lennon on avant-garde albums and art, including 'Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins' and 'Revolution 9' on the Beatles' White Album.

Achievement January 1, 1968 - March 20, 1969
1969

Married John Lennon

Married musician John Lennon, becoming a prominent figure in the art and music world.

Relationship March 20, 1969

Peace activism

Engaged in peace activism with Lennon, including the famous Bed-Ins for Peace, Bagism, and anti-war campaigns.

Other May 26, 1969 - December 8, 1980

Founded Plastic Ono Band

Co-founded the Plastic Ono Band with John Lennon, pioneering experimental music.

Achievement September 1, 1969
1975

Birth of Sean Lennon

Gave birth to son Sean Lennon, who would later become a musician and collaborator.

Family October 9, 1975
1980

Double Fantasy and Grammy Award

Released 'Double Fantasy' with Lennon, which won the 1981 Grammy for Album of the Year.

Achievement November 17, 1980 - February 25, 1981

Death of John Lennon

John Lennon was assassinated in New York City, profoundly impacting Ono's life.

Other December 8, 1980
1981

Continued artistic career

Continued her career as an influential artist, musician, and activist.

Achievement January 1, 1981

Season of Glass and solo success

Released acclaimed solo album 'Season of Glass' and continued music and art projects.

Achievement June 8, 1981 - December 1, 1982
1985

Strawberry Fields Memorial

Funded and dedicated Strawberry Fields memorial in Central Park on what would have been Lennon's 45th birthday.

Achievement October 9, 1985
2003

Dance chart resurgence

Achieved multiple #1 hits on Billboard Dance/Club chart with remixes such as 'Walking on Thin Ice' and 'Everyman... Everywoman...'.

Achievement April 1, 2003 - February 1, 2007
2007

Imagine Peace Tower

Unveiled the Imagine Peace Tower in Iceland, a global peace art installation dedicated to John Lennon.

Achievement October 9, 2007
2010

Later exhibitions and honors

Held major retrospectives and exhibitions worldwide, received numerous awards for art and activism, and remained active in music and peace advocacy.

Achievement January 1, 2010 - June 1, 2025