Yoko Ono is preparing to sing a selection of Beatles songs at a concert in Tokyo to mark what would have been John Lennon's 65th birthday.

The event will be held on Friday at the Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Friday, in celebration of the icon's birthday on October 9.

According to BBC News, Ono is both "thrilled and excited" at the prospect and feels that Lennon's "spirit" will be present at the proceedings.

Featuring a host of local musicians, the proceeds from the tribute will be donated to African and Asian orphans, including those affected by the Boxing Day tsunami.

Lennon was shot by deranged fan Mark Chapman on December 8, 1980 as he returned to his New York home from a recording session.