Tokyo, Japan, Feb. 2, 1955: Scaffolding surrounds the building formerly known as The Ernie Pyle Theater. The largest military theater closed its doors Jan. 2, 1955 after a 9-year run showcasing both movie and theater productions. Once the most modern building in the nation, “The Pyle” was used as a balloon factory during World War II, before the U.S. took it over and turned it into a theater. The building was returned to the Japanese government and is currently undergoing renovations before its scheduled reopening Apr. 1, 1955 under its original 1934 name Takarazuka Gekijo (Takarazuka Theater).

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