Nippon Times, Sunday 23rd December 1945 (Page 2)

Toho Theater, Hibiya Hall, Kokugikan Amphitheater Are Taken Over by Allies

    EIGHTH ARMY HEADQUARTERS, YOKOHAMA, December 21. - The Eighth Army has taken over the Toho Theater in Tokyo, one of Japan's largest and most modern entertainment centers, for use as a GI movie and stage house, Colonel Philip wilson, Special Service Officer, announced today. The 2,730 seat theater will be opened sometimes in January according to present plans and will present a daily program of motion pictures for all Allied military personnel.

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    All use of the auditorium of Hibiya Public Hall will be controlled by the Headquarters Commandant of GHQ, effective December 23, in order that maximum use may be made of it, according to SCAP memorandum to the Japanese Government on Friday. On the same day, SCAP also directed the Japanese Government that the premises of the Kokugikan Amphitheater at Ryogoku, the center of the Japanese wrestling match, be vacated by December 26 to permit its use by the U.S. 8th Army. The Japanese public will, however, be permitted part time use of the auditorium.