Marilyn Monroe, who died at the age of 36 in 1962, would have celebrated her 75th birthday this year.
In commemoration of this occasion, a biographical photo exhibition of the Hollywood legend will open Thursday at Isetan Museum in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
The exhibition features 157 photographs, including official portraits of Monroe by famed photographers and private photos taken by family members and close friends.
The exhibition consists of four sections -- Part I (1926-1952), covering her childhood and modeling career; Part II (1947-1953), featuring still photos from all the movies she starred in as well as portraits; Part III (1945-1960), with photos taken during her short marriage to Joe DiMaggio; and Part IV (1961-1962), featuring her famous appearance at the birthday party of John F. Kennedy and some of the last photographs taken of the actress.
Along with the photos, the exhibit includes posters, calendars and media reports about Monroe, as well as a replica of the evening dress she wore to JFK's birthday celebration.
"The Moon of Baroda," the 24-karat diamond necklace she wore in the movie "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," is of particular interest.
After leaving Tokyo, the exhibition will tour Hiroshima (April 24-May 6), Osaka (July 25-Aug. 6), Nagano (Aug. 24-Sept. 5), Okinawa (Oct. 13-22) and Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture (Oct. 31-Nov. 12).