Friday QandA day: Ask me an interesting question, tag it #yokoQandA and I’ll answer 10-15 every week on IMAGINEPEACE.com love, yoko
This article has now been split into many different pages to ease page loading time.
To view ALL the Q&A on one page, click here, or choose page numbers at the bottom of this page.
BeatleChick13
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A writer, a music composer, and some others…
sandrakevans
what was your favorite place to be as a child?
My room with a single bed, books and a desk.
BeatleChick13
What is something everyone should live by everyday?
Live by thinking how lucky you are.
shahrule
Have you ever met Neil Young or Bob Dylan?
I met them both.
bfrave
Have you ever considered recording a duets album? If so, with who?
I never did. But I did with John didn’t I? SOMETIME IN NEW YORK CITY.
Brighn
Where were you and John during Woodstock?
The Beatles, including John, were finishing recording Abbey Road. I was there with John.
What is the most peaceful way for a large group of people to come together? Thx.
A large group of people can come together easily at a rock concert, singing songs like GIVE PEACE A CHANCE together.
TeresaMasciopin
What do you think about martial arts? Have you ever practised any?x
Never.
willmummy
Yoko, what’s the meaning of that IMAGINE in Columbus Circle?
It is a nice message.
princesayamal
I’m at strawberry fields in central park right now. Do you ever come here? There’s a lovely sense of peace
I am watching Strawberry Fields every day from my window. I love the place.
Dream_or_Bust
What is your American Dream?
That it should get together with dreams of all other countries. I count 123 countries.
expressarts
How do we live being widowed? Where can strength come from?
That I’m not the only one!
Nicotone
What are your plans to celebrate John’s 70th? We should make a calculated push to emphasize his birth & not his death.
I am doing my best. You will start to see the results on October 9th!
sandrakevans
what do you think lennon would think of president obama and his administration?
That whatever is done by them, is what they can do now.
Octowalrus
Do you think the world is as capable of peace as it was thirty years ago?
I think we are facing it now. Peace is here now!
helabo
why do people spend so much time doing things don’t really want to be doing?
Because in the intricate puzzles of the world, sometimes it’s important to do things you don’t think you want to do, but, in hindsight, it was very good that you did.
carlarozman
Long hair or short?
Both. I had it both and loved it!
ryno_pear_dome
Is there a reason that you and John say “Happy Christmas” to yourselves in Happy Christmas (War is Over)?
That’s a song. We wanted to bring a happy xmas to the children of the world. The song is still doing that. Try an’ listen next time!
shamziel
If we choose to reject organized religion, what kind of beliefs can we replace it with?
With our belief in ourselves and in each one of us.
kaceyshea
What is the real secret to true forgiveness? Especially to someone who has wronged you deeply?
If you can’t forgive, you will have a tumour, or an equivelent. It’s hard to move on. but let’s try for our sakes.
Jennisima
what message would you like to receive inside a fortune cookie?
That WOULDNIT went number one in the dance chart. (A matter of fact, it did!)
ispyeric
What is your favourite memory of George Maciunas?
That he was a loyal friend.
[read Yoko's Summer of 1961 here]
heartArthee
what is the most valuable thing of life as being human?’
As it was said: I think therefore I am.
mar_y_lyn
What makes you happy now?
That I am still alive.
baandek
Are you a fan of Montessori education?
I am a fan of education, period. Let’s hope that the future generation will be wiser than us!
thenKentered
I would like to know what is the favorite place, and why, that you’ve ever visited. Thank you.
My favorite place is in my head.
NoaBaak
shocked when I first listened to your “Kiss,.” on Double Fantasy 20 yrs ago. Still find it surreal. whose idea was it?
Of course, it’s my idea! Maybe you think a woman cannot be so hip. I was hip all my life.
yarLi13
Did John believe in reincarnation? Do you think he was reborn into this world and now unknowingly walks among us to day.(GRiN)
I just know that he is still hovering around between my head and the sky telling me things!
Marhle
Do you still knit?
That thing I did in Instant Karma (blindfold with kotex while I was knitting behind John who was at the piano singing - was my performance art piece to let people know the position of women in the world.)
Rosamojo
If you were a butterfly which colours would you be? ✩ x
Yellow, the colour of light. Well, that’s my answer today.
niltonnee
Hi yoko Is there any possibility of bringing Plastic Ono Band’s new show to Brazil? ‘love your work. Peace!
Would be nice. Sean and I are thinking of doing some concerts in 2011. So maybe then. This year is all set.
MysterySinger1
Where did John take you on your first date? 
To a fish restaurant in London. But we were meeting at my place or his place before all that since we were both too famous then to be seen publicly. I remember this one because for some reason, we went out.
Brenda_Gracia
From 7 deadly sins, which one you think is the most deadly?
The 7 deadly sins: wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony are all human “inclinations” which, when practiced, give good insight on our fraility and make us wiser for it. In fact, all seven of them seem to be what a ruler would like to prohibit his/her people from indulging in, in order that the ruler will get the benefit of an efficient working force. It’s curious that injustice, violence, murder, and war are not part of the deadly sins. Who wrote this thing?
Brenda_Gracia
I put too much expectation in anything and it’d bring me down when the reality is no better than my expectation.What should I do?
It may be that the reality you confront may be better than you expected but you don’t know that it is… Don’t be disappointed. Everything is a blessing.
Brenda_Gracia
Dear Yoko, what should I do when I’m overwhelmed with fear?
Say my name, and I will send you a hug and a smile:)
Brenda_Gracia
Do you think people grow too fast or the time goes too fast?
Time is a concept made by men. Just be happy that we are growing fast.
Brenda_Gracia
Yoko, do you write poetry sometimes?
Well, if you call that poetry… yes.
DJBigAndy
Why do you think racial intolerance seems to be ingrained in us as a species?
Protection of the species. But it’s not known too much that by keep protecting the species, and not mix with the other species, our species deterioate in it’s quality.
aru_alqrq
what’s the most important and valuable lesson life has taught you?
That life itself is a lesson to be learnt.
Oldetrip
Yoko what do you think about the freedom in the time of social network?
Freedom is always important. Be free and don’t keep self-censoring yourself.
shamziel
What do you think life after death is like? And what can I do if I’m scared of dying?
I have so much to think of life, I haven’t gotten to wondering what it will be after.
shamziel
Do you ever feel John close by? How does he make his presence known in your life?
He does. And there is no way to explain it to anybody else.
ValeriaGiocolan
What do you see in your future? what are your expectations? what goals you want to achieve? thanks for the time-baciozz-
I don’t focus on my future. I just focus on the future of this planet and the lives on it, and wish for the best. There will be no future for me without our collective future.
nindiariphat
Hey Yoko, if you were an animal what would you be? And what is your favourite colour?
I AM an animal. I like all colours.
huwspanner
What used to go through your mind when you were performing ‘Cut Piece’? Did you find it an ordeal, or did you feel serene?
Serene. By that I mean I was in a peaceful sphere. Otherwise you can’t do it.
Haintme
Hello What is the very first significant (to you) work of art that you created ?
Me.
Octowalrus
Do you still do any personal art exhibits?
Exhibiting automatically suggests that you do it with other people in mind. So I don’t know what you mean by “Personal Exhibits.”
vsmbarboza
HI! Are you planning to re-release the albuns Unfinished Music 1 and 2, and the Wedding Album?
Not this year.
Jimatay
do you have any plans to return to Coventry uk? The city of peace and reconciliation.
I did a few years ago to see how our oak trees were growing. it was a very memorable visit.
cracking_glass
as a new yorker & peace activist, what do you think of the arguments over the supposed ‘ground zero mosque’?
I think I agree with the Mayor.
I3OB
a friend + i are doing a project on happenings, inspired by artists like you. do you have any useful information for us?
The more you do the better for the world and world peace. Keep trucking!
daniela_aum
what advice would you offer an activist taking on a corrupt & vindictive gov’t?
I wouldn’t. Just keep yourself focused on the positive things you are doing.
ReneJSL
What is the biggest decision you ever had to make?
I make the biggest decision of my life, every day – Breathe.
andriagov
What did you think of Christina Aguileras cover of Imagine?
I thought it was beautiful.
rubyzipperz
do you like Beyonce?
yes. I do! She is great!
dianaanoann
Dear Yoko, will you tell me your favourite haiku? Please!
Tabi ni yande, yume wa areno wo kakemeguru.
“Falling ill in my journey, my dream still runs around the wilderness.”
It’s by Basho, the poet both John and I loved very much.
RadiantBirdLive
What space makes you reflect?
The space in my head.
bloojaga
If there was more that you can do, what would it be? I definitely can picture it’s gonna be very interesting.
Yes. I know that it will be interesting. I’m waiting!
Calum_MacDonald
Hi Yoko, Ever thought of recreating the exact art exhibition you met John at. At the Indica gallery, London
No. You can never repeat anything exactly, as you know.
senirupa
What is your upcoming art project?
I just completed an installation exhibit in Berlin and in Rome and there are some works of mine being exhibited in MOMA of New York. So I am just concentrating now on breathing deeply until the next show. whatever that will be.
What great books on creativity and conceptual art have you read through out your life that you consider really “mind blowing”? Thanks for all the inspiration you’ve given many… and me! Kiss Kiss Kiss!
Thanks for answering my question
Kisses and hugs!
Dear Yoko,
Your many fans have wanted to hear “Hiroshima Sky Is Always Blue” since we first heard of its’ recording in early 1995. I remember reading at the time that the song is about 7 minutes long, and that Paul McCartney gave you the master tapes to mix & produce as you saw fit. Yes, pease be aware that so many of us want to hear it – thank you thank you thank you! i ii iii
thank you so much for your response! i am honored
and of course, the response was very sensible, thanks again!
I love your responses, especially to “How many Fluxus artists does it take to change a lightbulb?” and “Will a rowboat work in outer space?”. I needed a couple of brief, light answers today to make me smile! Thank you, Yoko.
[...] today yoko ono took questions from a teeming host of questions and answered them: i had to chuckle at this one – it made me very happy: Dear Yoko, how can a loving parent help her child stop telling lies? Think of their lies as creative stories. Ask them to tell more and express your appreciation. Keep pushing for more stories. Ask them to write them as their diary. Soon then will want to write something real in their diaries…not fiction. If they want to keep writing fiction. Well, you will have a writer in your family! Yoko Ono Answers Questions [...]
[...] yoko ono There’s no false meaning that I can see. What’s wrong with thinking about rocks and the earth revolving the sun? I think it’s beautiful. [...]
Thank you for the reply, I am one of those afraid people. I love what you are doing, did not mean to be negative. x
Hi, Yoko.
What do you think that John would say about The fall of the Berlin Wall?
I’m french so, sorry for my english
Love.
Yoko, I have too much to say! But I’ll try to be brief. Thank you so much for the link to Anish Kapoor’s London exhibit. I did not know of him, but now I can see his art without leaving my desk! My favorite piece of his shown was YELLOW (1999). Within seconds of looking at it, my mind & eyes and the piece were playing a game with my perceptions – fascinating.
Thank you and your musicians so much for your album BETWEEN MY HEAD AND THE SKY, I love it! It is wonderful and I cannot say enough good things about it! I got Sean’s new ROSENCRANTZ AND GUIDENSTERN ARE UNDEAD album on Hallowe’en, and I love it too – great work Sean, can’t wait to see the film.
On tv, you and Sean on THE VIEW did a wonderful performance of the quiet and beautiful “I’m Going Away Smiling”. I could never do an interview with the hosts, they seem to talk so fast and at the same time. I’m a slow stream and they’re a waterfall!
So a peaceful song for the morning VIEW, and the wild & wonderful “Waiting For the D Train” for the late night Jimmy Fallon show. I loved seeing you and the band rock out! You just keep getting better.
There, that wasn’t brief at all, was it?
Laura Levin November 6 at 9:47pm
Dear Ms. Yoko Ono, I am currently an English teacher in Kyoto, Japan for high school students. If you could pass on some pearl of wisdom to the high school youth of Japan today, what would you tell them? Thanks!
hi Yoko I love you
here’s a question,what would you do when you are really depressed?
Dear bluesky9, thank you for your nice comment about the albums. I sent the copy of your email to Sean. yoko
Dear Laura Levin,
IMAGINE from John, RAINBOW REVELATION from me will cover what the students need to solve internal and external problems of our lives. I wish you all the best, yoko
IMAGINE
by JOHN LENNON
Imagine there’s no Heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today
Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say that I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one
RAINBOW REVELATION
by YOKO ONO
Bless you for your anger for it is a sign of rising energy.
Direct not to your family, waste not on your enemy.
Transform the energy to versatility and it will bring prosperity
Bless you for your sorrow for it is a sign of vulnerability
Share not with your family, direct not to yourself.
Transform the energy to sympathy and it will bring you love.
Bless you for your greed for it is a sign of great capacity.
Direct not to your family. Direct not to the world.
Transform the energy to giving.
Give as much as you wish to take, and you will receive satisfaction
Bless you for your jealousy for it is a sign of empathy.
Direct not to your family, direct not to your friends.
Transform the energy to admiration and what you admire will become part of your life.
Bless you for your fear. For it is a sign of wisdom.
Do not hold yourself in fear.
Tranform the energy to flexibility and you will be free from what you fear.
Bless you for your poverty for it is a sign of great possibility
do not hold poverty in your mind.
Every drop of your generosity will come back in 10 fold.
Give as though you were a king, and you will receive a king’s due.
Bless you for your search of direction for it is a sign of aspiration.
Transform the energy to receptivity and the direction will come to you
Bless you for the times you see evil.
Evil is energy mishandled and it feeds on your support.
Feed not and it will self-destruct.
Shed light and it will cease to be.
Bless you for the times you feel no love.
Open your heart to life anyway, and in time you will find love in you.
Bless you, bless you, bless you.
Bless you for what you are.
Remember you are loved.
Remember I love you.
[...] Yoko QandA day http://imaginepeace.com/archives/7703 [...]
I wonder if your computer can read Japanese.
Dear Yoko:
Reading this has been deliciously enriching. I give thanks for you and for John and for all the many people out there who dare to IMAGINE better. The pretty blue pearl only needs love. If we will it to be so, it will be so.
On a personal note John’s ‘Mother’ helped me grow out of pain, His ‘Imagine’ helped me do just that, and your ‘Woman is the Nigger of the World’ taught me that I have an obligation to help my sisters. If that isn’t a healthy foundation for a young woman, I don’t know what is. Of course George, bless him, was also a major positive influence.
(And Revolution Number9 was always good background music for me for meditation..did you intend it that way?)
How fortunate that this GenX’r got to have you all on her non-stop play-list!
With Infinite Gratitude,
Clarisa
Dear Yoko,
I am a fan of yours especially John Lennon. I sent some questions in your Twitter account but no answer from you yet. Hope I could ask some questions since it is now available here in your site.
hope that it was not cheesy or corny as it is…
1. What food do you crave when you are pregnant with Sean?
2. What do you feel when your then newborn son was placed beside you; does John carried the newborn for you before placing to your side?
3. When you are pregnant with Sean, does John was actively taking care of you?
4. Do you play the piano when you are pregnant with him?
These are my questions and thanks if you answer some of it..
Sincerly yours
Sonia
Dear Sonia, All questions are important. So don’t think that you may be asking something cheesy or corny.
1. What food did you crave when you were pregnant with Sean?
Meat and cabbage
2. What did you feel when your then newborn son was placed beside you; did John carry the newborn for you before placing to your side?
John was carrying Sean all the way from the hospital to our bed in our apartment.
3. When you were pregnant with Sean, did John actively take care of you?
He was very caring. The doctor told us that, because of my high age, I had to be super careful and not move around at all. So John got a wheelchair for me, made me sit on it, and pushed it from our bedroom to the kitchen, every day, where our lunch was waiting. The lunch could have been brought to me in bed, but he thought I would like the idea of not being in bed all the time.
4. Did you play the piano when you were pregnant with him?
I played my favorite CDs of Indian Music and Opera for him. I did not think it was a good idea to let him experience an inferior performance, such as mine.