Over the past few decades, Star Wars has become one of the most beloved properties with fans around the world.

 

Grogu, known by many fans as Baby Yoda, first appeared in The Mandalorian, a series on Disney+ currently celebrating its third anniversary. 

 

With his mysterious background and incredible use of the Force, the tiny and adorable character became a hit with fans around the world, quickly making him one of the most popular characters in the recent Star Wars series.

 

World-renowned Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli recently produced a short animation starring Grogu and Makkuro Kurosuke, also known as the Wandering Soot or, in the title for the short, Dust Bunnies. The characters first appeared in the film My Neighbor Totoro.

 

Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki have long been friends with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, who readily agreed to produce the short as a symbol of their longstanding friendship. The short was directed by Katsuya Kondo.

 

Will you give this a watch on Disney+?

 

（C）2022 & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.（C）2022 Studio Ghibli.

The anime Star Wars anthology Star Wars: Visions is coming to Disney Plus on September 22, and ahead of release, a more detailed trailer has been released to excited audiences worldwide. Seven of Japan’s leading animation studios are participating in the highly-anticipated project, which will tell nine new stories from the Star Wars universe. Each studio will bring their own unique vision to the epic space opera, and fans worldwide have been blown away by the new teaser footage. 

 

While details on the nine stories are still scarce, the global trailer does feature some of the show’s voice actors: English audiences recognized actors Joseph Gordon-Levitt and David Harbour, while the Japanese trailer featured such well-known performers as Masako Nozawa, Yuichi Nakamura, Junya Enoki, Yuma Uchida, Daisuke Hirakawa, and Hiroyuki Yoshino. 

 

The project aims to introduce Japanese anime and pop culture to the world in a new way. The trailer contains fantastical lightsaber battles and unique characters along with memorable moments from the films, including the famous line “May the Force be with you.” Fans around the world are raising their expectations for the explosive final product. 

 

Global Trailer (In Japanese with English Subtitles)

 

English Dubbed Trailer (In English with Japanese Subtitles)

 

 

Below is a list of the animated shorts featured in Star Wars: Visions, as well as the contributing studio: 

 

The Duel – Kamikaze Douga

Lop and Ochō – Geno Studio (Twin Engine) 

Tatooine Rhapsody – Studio Colorido (Twin Engine) 

The Twins – Trigger

The Elder – Trigger

The Village Bride – Kinema Citrus

Akakiri – Science Saru

T0-B1 – Science Saru 

The Ninth Jedi – Production IG

George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, has cited Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, and Japanese culture as a whole, as a great influence on his works. The executive producer of Star Wars: Visions, James Waugh, calls the project ‘a love letter from Lucasfilm to Japan, the country that gave the world anime culture.’

 

©2021 TM & c Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Lucasfilm and Disney+ have unveiled the first look at their new anime anthology series Star Wars: Visions and revealed that all nine episodes will be released on September 22, 2021.

 

The announcement was shared during Anime Expo Lite 2021, the digital version of the annual Anime Expo in the US, where it was revealed that the anthology of animated short films is being created by seven Japanese anime studios that will use “their signature animation and storytelling styles to realize their own visions of the galaxy far, far away.”

 

George Lucas has publicly expressed how Japanese folktales and the films of Akira Kurosawa have had and continue to have an influence on his work, including Star Wars, which has been poured into its themes, stories, and characters. Now things are being flipped around as Japan’s animation studios create their take on the franchise.

Below is the list of studios and the titles of their upcoming animated shorts:

• Kamikaze Douga – The Duel
• Geno Studio (Twin Engine) – Lop and Ochō
• Studio Colorido (Twin Engine) – Tatooine Rhapsody
• Trigger – The Twins
• Trigger – The Elder
• Kinema Citrus – The Village Bride
• Science Saru – Akakiri
• Science Saru – T0-B1
• Production IG – The Ninth Jedi

 

Check out a special look of the series below which was posted on the official Star Wars YouTube channel.

The video features some of the Japanese anime industry’s top creators each expressing their love for Star Wars. It also looks at how the unique style of Japanese anime is a perfect lens for expressing the franchise.

 

Star Wars: Visions will release on Disney+ on September 22, 2021.

 

©2021 TM & c Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Japanese messaging app LINE announced that their casual puzzle game LINE: Disney Tsum Tsum has broken 90 million views. The popular game launched a collaboration with the Star Wars franchise on Tuesday which is set to run until May 31.

LINE: Disney Tsum Tsum is based off Disney’s collectable stuffed toy series. The game launched first in Japan on January 29, 2014, before rolling out to the US, UK, Europe, Asia, and elsewhere on July 1 of the same year. Tsum Tsum and 400-or-so characters are popular around the world with the toys having appeared in Disney films, commercials, at events, and more.

 

In celebration of the puzzle game reaching 90 million downloads, the Today’s Mission feature is offering a 10x bonus. The game is also collaborating with Star Wars until the end of May where Darth Vader and a Stormtrooper are making an appearance. And for the duration of May, the game’s title logo and background music has been changed into traditional Japanese styles.

 

 

Tsum Tsum Tenka Touitsu Event

Another in-game event is also ongoing where players can receive pins and a Princess Minnie by clearing the mission.

 

©Disney 

©Disney/Pixar 

©& TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

The Star Wars Book is a new publication being released in Japan that chronicles the entire Star Wars Saga, from the 1977 film A New Hope to the 2019 The Rise of Skywalker. It also includes spin off stories, information on the animated series as well as the characters, creatures, weapons, vehicles, and more.

©&TM LUCASFILM LTD.

 

The book is a must-have for fans of the series whether you have full knowledge of its rich world and want to relive it in its entirety, or if there is more you want to read into.

With The Rise of Skywalker concluding the Skywalker saga of the Star Wars film franchise, fans are left craving more from the galaxy far far away.

 

If you’re one of those people, and need a fix before season two of The Mandalorian, which is coming in late 2020, then you’ll want to hit up the all-new Star Wars-themed cafes now open for a limited time at branches of OH MY CAFE across Japan in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Hokkaido, and Fukuoka.

 

We visited the Tokyo branch of the cafe which is located inside Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku. Here’s our report of this must-see cafe for Star Wars fans, a museum-like space chock-full of concept art.

Ready to greet you as you walk into the cafe is none other than Darth Vader. This life-size recreation of the Sith Lord is really striking, but don’t worryーthough he is realistic, he won’t use his Force choke on you, he only wishes for you to have a nice meal.

Plastered across the cafe walls are pieces of concept art used during the production of the Star Wars film series.

Here’s a galactic showcasing of the cafe’s menu. There are 7 food items and 5 drinks to choose from, all inspired by the franchise and its characters.

<STAR WARS> Far Far Away Galaxy Black Curry – ¥1,590

A signature dish of the cafe, this black curry features the Star Wars logo which is actually an edible wafer. The space design is bamboo charcoal-cooked rice which is mixed with spicy sauce and topped with peanuts for stars.

<BB-8> Seafood BB-8 Gratin – ¥1,690

Fans of BB-8 won’t be able to resist this delicious gratin, served with salad and French bread for a full belly.

<Yoda> Root Leaf Stew – ¥1,590

This stew is inspired by Yoda living his final years in his little shack in Dagobah during Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back. It’s packed full of vegetables and will no doubt be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike.

<R2-D2 & C-3PO> Buddy Burger Plate – ¥1,990

This set of two chicken burgers comes with an R2-D2 seasoned with béchamel sauce and a C-3PO burger seasoned with meat sauce. You can take the flags home with you too. We recommend sharing this between two people.

Portion Bread – ¥500

This is the one I was most interested in personally, because I was curious to know from its appearance how it would taste. It’s the portion bread that Rey tries eating in the film. At first glance it looks crunchy, but to my surprise it was soft with a subtle sweet flavour.

Lightsaber Drinks – ¥600 Each (w/ Coaster ¥1,300)

From the left, the flavours are Darth Vader blood orange, Luke Skywalker ramune, and Yoda melon. When you draw your straw from the paper wrapping, it turns into a lightsaber!

<STAR WARS > Jet Black Coffee – ¥600 (w/Bottle ¥1,750)

These limited edition bottles of black coffee feature the famous Star Wars opening crawl credits. Which one you get is randomーa must-have for all fans!

After enjoying some Star Wars food and drink, it’s time to check out the cafe’s exclusive merchandise. There are 13 types of merch in total all bearing artwork from across the film series.

Folder – ¥350

I recommend picking up one of these folders made in collaboration with the cafe. It has illustrations of the food and drinks being sold there.

Tote Bag – ¥3,500

This tote bag has illustrations of characters from Star Wars and how they are all connected.

There’s plenty of other must-grab merch too, from music to stationery and more.

Customers who spend over ¥1,000 (excluding tax) on any of these exclusive items will receive the above-pictured limited edition bag. These are limited in stock so are available while supplies last.

There’s plenty of places inside for fans to take great photos, so make sure you snap lots.

Also, if you book a table in advance and order something from the menu, you’ll receive one of these 25 possible A5 folders, so be sure to book before you go!

 

 

© & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

*All listed prices are pre-tax. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.

To celebrate the upcoming release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker this Christmas, a promotional event entitled “STAR WARS Marunouchi Bright Christmas 2019 – Precious for you-” is taking place in the Marunouchi area of Tokyo from November 7 to December 25.

 

As part of the promotion, a cafe named “RISE CRYSTAL CAFE” themed on the film will open at the Marunouchi Cafe on the first floor of the Marunouchi Building skyscraper, with meals, drinks and desserts inspired by the movie.

 

*Menu item names listed below are translated from Japanese.

Dark Side Pasta – ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

If you’re of the Dark side of the Force, then you’ll devour this pitch-black squid ink pasta served with an eggplant and bacon tomato sauce. If you sink into the darkness low enoughーor just fork far enough into your pastaーyou’ll find some delicious mascarpone cheese.

Holiday Wreath Taco Rice – ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

Featured on this round Christmas wreath are familiar faces from the Star Wars franchise including C-3PO, R2D2, and BB-8. It’s made with assorted rice and topped with various vegetables like tomato and avocado, as well as cheese.

Galaxy Present Sandwich – ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

A present delivered from space, this tall sandwich is layered with ham, tomatoes, and vegetables, and is served with a side of R2D2 soy milk cream cheese.

Starry Christmas Chicken (Serves 1-2) – ¥1,980 (Tax Included) *Available at dinner only

Served succulently on the bone, this gorgeous piece of chicken is served with four different kinds of sauces based on the far far away stars of the night sky.

Light Side Soy Milk Parfait – ¥1,320 (Tax Included)

If you lean towards the Light side of the Force, then you’ll love this subtly sweet parfait made with soy milk soft serve ice cream and soy milk cream. It’s also topped with chocolate mint ice cream and agar-agar that gets its blue colour from natural ingredients.

Dark Side Soy Charcoal Parfait – ¥1,320 (Tax Included)

This chocolate parfait is crowned with black bamboo charcoal soy milk cream and agar-agar. The gentle sweetness of the soy milk ice cream mixed with the sweet and sour blackcurrant sorbet makes for a delicious pairing.

Light & Dark Fizz – ¥880 (Tax Included)

This one’s for both Light and Dark seekers, a refreshing tea drink coupled with the common mallow herb. See what happens when you pour the elderflower and lemon syrup into the beautiful blue beverage.

Blue Milk – ¥880 (Tax Included)

Chewy blue jelly floats around in this drink which is made with low-fat almond milk.

Black Ginger Ale – ¥880 (Tax Included)

This jet-black ginger ale is made with bamboo charcoal and a ginger syrup that’s made in-house. Its refreshing flavour makes it the perfect meal accompaniment.

 

Commemorate the final film in the Skywalker saga with a Star Wars-inspired meal!

 

 ©2019 & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.  

Tokyo Disneyland’s popular attraction Star Tours: The Adventures Continue is set to incorporate scenes from the upcoming film Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker which is set for release on December 19, 2019, serving as the final film to wrap up the Skywalker Saga. The scenes will feature on the attraction for a limited time from December 20, 2019 to March 19, 2020.

Guests can look forward to flying through the world of the filmーwhich is set to wrap up the Skywalker Saga.

Additionally, if you head to the Star Wars-themed merchandise shop Cosmic Encounter in Tomorrowland from December 2 onward, there is a photo spot to get your photo taken with D-O, the new droid set to appear in the upcoming film.

Case – ¥2,000 / Pouch Set – ¥2,800 / Luggage Tag – ¥1,000 / Blanket – ¥4,300

Rucksack – ¥3,900 / Hoodie – ¥5,900 / Drink Bottle – ¥2,700

The shop will also release 20 new pieces of merchandise on the same day, including items related to the new film as well as across the whole Star Wars franchise. This includes stylish clothing to travel goods and more.

 

Commemorate the release of the final film in the Skywalker Saga with a trip to Tokyo Disneyland.

 

©Disney

©Disney ©&™Lucasfilm Ltd.

Japan’s consumption tax is set to increase on October 1 from 8% to 10%. If you’re looking to bulk buy or grab up must-have items from Japan then now is the perfect time before the percentage goes up!

 

Today we will take a look some of Disney’s premium pieces of merchandise which are must-grabs before the tax increase.

Disney Senryobako – ¥ 2,982,650 (Tax Included) *Rate subject to change

A senryobako, or “thousand gold coin box,” is a box that was used during the Edo period to store koban, the former Japanese oval coin. This box features a Mickey and Minnie Mouse design that reads “Forever together” at the top. It also includes a set of 50 koban featuring Mickey and Minnie designs on them. This is a super special and premium gift item!

 

Available At: GINZA TANAKA

Mickey 90th Anniversary Design Signature Pot (18cm) – ¥30,000 (Before Tax) *Comes in 11 colours

This pot is being released in celebration of 90 years since Mickey’s screen debut. The pot lid features the iconic outline of Mickey Mouse. It’s also delivered in limited-edition packaging.

 

Available At: Le Creuset

Movie Masterpiece DIECAST: Avengers 1/6 Scale Iron Man Mark 7 Figure – ¥58,800 (Tax Included) 

This highly detailed figure looks like Iron Man jumped right out of the movie theatre screen. Several different models and pieces are on sale too for each movie the superhero features in the Marvel Universe. Collect them all to create a whole range of poses.

 

Available At: Hot Toys

ROYAL SELANGOR Star Wars Vehicles “X-Wing” – ¥37,800 (Tax Included)

ROYAL SELANGOR Star Wars Figurine “Darth Vader” – ¥54,000 (Tax Included)

Malaysian-based company Royal Selangor is the largest pewter manufacturer and retailer in the world. Their new X-Wing and Darth Vader models elicit that vintage space opera vibe.

 

Available At: Royal Selangor

 

Each and every one of these items is a luxury Disney product. If you’re a collector or are looking to buy a present for a fan then now’s the best time to grab any of these premium products!

 

©Disney © 2019 MARVEL © &TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

Japanese glasses brand Zoff has unveiled that it will release a new line of glasses in its Star Wars collection at its stores and its online store on July 12.

 

With Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker set for a December 20, 2019 release, Zoff is getting in on the action by adding to its range. It first dropped the Star Wars collection back in 2018 where it developed glasses frames. This summer, it’ll be stylish sunglasses.

The sunglasses are inspired by the sequel trilogy with references to major characters including Anakin Skywalker as well as scenes only seen in the sequels including a young Obi Wan Kenobi and Yoda when he was lively.

 

Each model in the collection cuts 99.9%. The line-up includes a model with photochromic lenses, another with polarised lenses, The Zoff Night & Day that is both glasses and sunglasses, and more.

 

Zoff Night & Day

2 Designs – ¥9,500 Each (Tax Included) *Includes price for normal lenses

The outer metal chip of the glasses has the iconic Star Wars logo subtly branded onto it which reflects light while the inner part, which is the same metallic colour, has the same logo but larger. The glasses have a red colour, synonymous with the Sith, combined with yellow, a colour representing hope for the future.

 

Photochromic Lenses

3 Designs – ¥7,500 Each (Tax Included) *An extra ¥3,000 for additional lenses

The colour of these lenses change depending on the amount of UV rays. With the photochromic lenses, the inner part is used as glasses while the outer part is used as sunglasses. There are three designs including Yoda and Anakin. Since the designs are on the inner part of the glasses they can be used in less informal settings too.

 

Polarised Lenses

3 Designs – ¥7,500 Each (Tax Included) *An extra ¥5,000 for additional lenses

The polarised lenses cut reflected light such as on glares from roads and glass. This makes them ideal for driving, jogging, fishing and other scenarios where one is exposed to bright glares. The three designs feature Darth Maul from Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, podracing, and Yoda’s epic battle.

Glasses come with an original Star Wars case and cloth.

 

If you’re a Star Wars fan, you won’t want to miss out on this exclusive collection.

 

©️ & ™️ Lucasfilm Ltd.

In the world-famous movie, Star Wars, you can find many elements of Japanese samurai culture.

As many of you might know, George Lucas is a big fan of Kurosawa Akira’s movies and it is a famous story that he offered Toshiro Mifune, an actor who played in many of Kurosawa’s movies, the part of Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars.

This time, I joined the course called “Samurai Training” held by the kimono rental shop, “Yumenoya” in Asakusa to enjoy STAR WARS™/Jedi Challenges to the fullest.

 

To get to Yumenoya, go through the Kaminarimon and turn right at Nakamisedori. And you will see it on your right. Look for the mannequin wearing a kimono.

It is just a 5 minutes on foot from Asakusa station on Tokyo Metro Ginza line. It’s in a very convenient location.

 

You must wear wafuku (traditional Japanese clothes) to participate in Samurai Training. There are many kinds of kimonos available.

This time, I chose a red kimono which looks strong.

Now Ruki’s ready to meet the challenge. She learned how to hold a katana and make a stroke pose.

 

Today’s teacher is Ukon Takafuji who is the second generation of “Buto Takafujiryu” from Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa Prefecture.

In addition to offering lectures, both in Japan and abroad, he established an exercise routine called, “Katana Exercise” to introduce the charms of traditional arts.

 

Now let’s start the training program. Get dressed in your “furisode” and let’s begin the battle!

First, Ruki learned how to bow.

 

Ruki “the Katana is much longer than I thought it would be and it’s difficult to use.

 

After rehearsing for 30 minutes, Luki could use the katana fairy well.

And now let’s beggingSTAR WARS™/Jedi Challenges.

 

This isSTAR WARS™/Jedi Challenges which Lenovo developed. First , download the Jedi Challenges application and set your smartphone in the goggle. 

The models which this app can be used are iPhone 6, Plus, iPhone X, Galaxy 7, edge, S8, Pixel / Pixel XL, LG G6, Moto Z2 Force Edition and Android smartphones.

English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese are can be used. (2018 January )

 

First, connect the light saver and smartphone to Bluetooth. It’s good its wireless.

It’s much lighter than you would think and it won’t slip because it has a good grip.

This light saver is just like a real thing in every detail. Just by looking at it, you can enjoy the world view of this game.

 

Fasten the the smartphone to the goggles as is instructed in the app. It cannot be used with other apps.

It is also recommended that you turn your banner off so that it’s not interrupt your game.

 

When you put your AR goggles on, a 360 degree 3D image will appear. Look around and you can enter the world Star Wars.

 

The half invisible characters will appear as life-sized characters. You can experience the scene where Princess Leia asks Obi-Wan for help – the best scene in EP4.

If you play the game in the darkened room the images will be even clear and the atmosphere will be awesome.

 

There are 3 types of games in total, however the best game is “light saver battle.”
In this game you can actually fight with the characters that appeared in the story using the light saver.

 

“I can see the light saver!” says Ruki in excitement. If it was for real you would have to do special training to be able to use the light saver. But in this game it is so easy to use. The power of technology is amazing. Thank you, Lenovo!!

 

At the early stage you can successfully finish but as the stages advance you enemies will become stronger and stronger. This time it is battle with Darth Maul. The life-size characters coming this way look so real-looking. Ruki looks like he is going to run away.

 

In the light saver battle, you have to stop you opponent’s light saver and then duck your opponent’s light saver, all the while looking for a moment for you to attack. Using AR you can experience a real battle scene. A hint will appear momentarily on the screen to suggest to you how to convey a big damage when your opponent is off guard. You have a chance to cause major damage. Don’t miss this chance. While you are playing this game you will no doubt be moving about, so make sure that there are no obstacles in your way and it is best to play the game in a wide space.

 

Ruki: “When you cut your opponent with the light saver, the light saver shakes and it is as if it is for real. It really feels like you have entered the world of the movie.”

 

Using sword-work learned directly from teacher Ukon, and after a desperate struggle, somehow you were able to win over Darth Maul.
The light saver is not for real but this is the way you will feel.

 

 

We finished Samurai training and got a certificate.

Overall Luki becoming a closer to be Jedi…?

 

In addition, STAR WARS™/Jedi Challenge includes other games.

 

Your concentration and strategy will be tested in Holochess.
By making best use of the aliens in this game you are trying to increase your territory in the chessboard.

 

 

This is a strategy game where rebel forces fight with the mighty empire forces.
Enlarge your front line bases and repel the empire forces!

 

 

You might be able to become a Jedi by playing STAR WARS™/Jedi Challenge!

May the force be with you!

 

 

Model:Ruki

Writer:Nao Shiota

 

 “Star Wars” is not just a movie but a spectacular, huge entertainment event. The latest episode of “Star Wars” called “Star Wars / The Last Jedi” will be released from the 15^th of December (Fri.).

 

 

In commemoration of the release of this movie, the art show “STAR WARS THE LAST JEDI ART SHOW TOKYO” which exhibits art works, fashions and traditional crafts of Harajuku VACANT will be held.

Eight up-and-coming artist of Japan will participate in the event and will create their own art works based on “Star Wars / The Last Gedi.”

 

 

This is a special event which the fans of “Star Wars” must check out. Since the entrance fee is free, why don’t you visit this event?