Keio Plaza Hotel’s Imperial Suite Room has welcomed many VIPs and guests of state from around the world. Among them, the legendary world champion, Muhammad Ali, left a particularly memorable impression.
In June 1976, Ali came to Japan for the “World Martial Arts Championship” against Antonio Inoki. While spending the days leading up to the match at the hotel, he played some of his favorite songs on the white grand piano in his room, and with a warm and friendly smile, he graciously signed autographs. He showed a quiet and gentle side of himself. There is also a story of him going for a jog at dawn. The world watched as he and Antonio Inoki fought a serious match in mixed martial arts.
Hiroshi Ichikawa, the current Executive Chef, was a waiter at the time and was assigned to serve Muhammad Ali. “Before he left Japan, he gave me a signed T-shirt as a token of his affection. I still treasure it to this day,” he fondly recalls.
The Imperial Suite Room was a witness to Muhammad Ali’s historic match. Since the hotel’s opening, this room has been a part of many unforgettable memories.
