From Shibuya to Akihabara, the Force is strong here.
As Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 approaches (April 18–20 at Makuhari Messe), it’s clear that the Force isn’t just visiting Tokyo—it’s already made itself at home. Japan has long had a deep-rooted connection to Star Wars, not just through its influence on the franchise’s aesthetics and philosophy, but through its passionate and ever-growing fanbase.
In this third installment of our 5-part series leading up to Celebration, we dive into how Japan became a uniquely vibrant part of the Star Wars universe—from exclusive merch and cosplay culture to exhibitions and fan traditions you won’t find anywhere else in the galaxy.
The Early Days of Star Wars in Japan
Star Wars first touched down in Japan in 1978, a year after its U.S. release. While the franchise had already started reshaping global cinema, in Japan it found not just an audience, but a deep cultural resonance. Promotional materials were reimagined for Japanese tastes—posters drawn in manga-like detail, TV spots with different narration, and merchandise that took on a life of its own.
Early collectibles included keshi gomu (rubber eraser toys), Coca-Cola bottlecap figurines, and beautifully illustrated Japanese-language Star Wars storybooks. The enthusiasm never really waned. Even in the quiet years between trilogies, Japan continued to produce Star Wars toys, host screenings, and keep the spirit of the saga alive through fan clubs and anime conventions.
It wasn’t just the movies—it was the myth.
A Galaxy in Akihabara: The Heart of Star Wars Collecting
In Tokyo, you don’t have to travel to Tatooine to find rare treasures—just head to Akihabara, Japan’s capital of collectibles and retro tech. Here, stores like Mandarake, Super Potato, and Akiba Culture Zone are stocked floor-to-ceiling with Star Wars merchandise ranging from the classic to the ultra-rare.
Japan-exclusive finds include:
- Shogun-style Darth Vader figurines
- Samurai-inspired S.H. Figuarts action figures
- Cup Noodles x Star Wars collaboration sets
- Manga adaptations of the original trilogy
- Limited-edition streetwear from brands like BAPE and Beams Japan
Walk through Mandarake’s second floor and you might spot a boxed 1980 Takara Luke Skywalker, still sealed. Or an entire display of Japanese-language LaserDisc releases of the original trilogy. The attention to presentation in these shops makes browsing feel like a gallery experience. Some stores even arrange collectibles chronologically, so you’re literally walking through Star Wars history.
In Japan, collecting is treated with reverence. Items are curated, preserved, and displayed with a sense of ritual that would impress even a Jedi archivist.
The Celebration Returns: Star Wars Comes Full Circle
Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 marks the franchise’s return to Japanese soil for the first time in 17 years. Held at Makuhari Messe Convention Center, the event promises to blend global Star Wars culture with local artistry and flair.
Key features include:
- Anime & Manga Pavilion, highlighting works like Star Wars: Visions and showcasing fan-made manga art.
- Cultural Panels, exploring traditional Japanese influences like origami, puppetry, and kabuki as they relate to Star Wars.
- Fan Exhibits, displaying rare Japanese Star Wars items, including vintage keshi gomu and 1970s bottlecap figures.
The return to Japan isn’t just a location—it’s a full-circle moment for a saga so heavily shaped by Japanese culture.
Cosplay Culture: Precision, Creativity, and the Force
In Japan, cosplay is an artform—and Star Wars cosplay stands out for its level of detail and discipline.
At Celebration and in fan gatherings around Tokyo, expect to see:
- Flawless stormtrooper armor
- Hand-sewn Jedi robes with authentic fabric
- Mandalorian kits built with traditional samurai motifs
- Creative mashups like geisha Padmés or kimono-wearing Leia
Japanese cosplayers often spend months perfecting their costumes, using custom dyeing techniques, hand-stitched designs, and authentic materials. Groups like the 501st Legion Japan Garrison and local Jedi orders hold meet-ups, photo walks, and training demos. Many costumes aren’t just screen-accurate—they’re cultural hybrids, paying tribute to the saga and Japan alike.
With cosplay contests and community showcases planned, Japanese fans are set to turn Celebration into a live-action tribute to the saga.
Fan Art and Local Creators: A Galactic Canvas
Beyond the lightsabers and armor, Japanese Star Wars fans express their devotion through art. Manga-style fan comics, watercolor prints, and digital illustrations reimagine characters in ways that reflect both Star Wars and traditional Japanese aesthetics.
Celebrated artist Peach Momoko has contributed official art to the franchise, and Celebration Japan will host an exclusive art show featuring her and other local talents. Expect to see:
- Ink-brush Yoda scrolls
- Ukiyo-e-style depictions of lightsaber duels
- Stormtroopers rendered in kabuki poses
There’s even a subculture of doujinshi (self-published zines) where fans explore alternative timelines and genre-mashed reinterpretations of their favorite characters. In Tokyo, art isn’t just part of the fandom—it’s how the Force flows.
Merch You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Japan is the land of limited editions, and Star Wars is no exception. Celebration Japan 2025 will feature exclusive items you’ll only find onsite or in select Japanese shops.
Must-sees include:
- Beams Japan x Star Wars apparel, including custom Champion fleece hoodies and minimalist watch collabs
- Star Wars-themed sweets, like chocolate sand waffle cookies and original-label drinks
- Art from Peach Momoko and other Japanese illustrators featured in the official Celebration Art Show
Many items are offered in omiyage-style packaging—beautifully wrapped souvenirs meant for gifting, making them equal parts collectible and cultural artifact.
The Road to Celebration: Pop-Ups, Cafés & Campaigns
Leading up to Celebration, Tokyo has embraced Star Wars through pop-up cafés, themed merchandise drops, and city-wide ad campaigns. Special train cars wrapped in Star Wars iconography run through JR lines, and vending machines feature lightsaber sound effects.
Previous collaborations have included:
- A Star Wars x Lawson convenience store sweepstakes
- Limited-time Star Wars ramen packaging
- Themed lounges at Tokyo Tower and Shibuya PARCO
Fans can also expect mobile-exclusive scavenger hunts and AR features released via LINE and QR codes throughout the city. In Japan, the hype isn’t just online—it’s integrated into daily life.
Tokyo: A Living Tribute to Star Wars
Beyond Akihabara, the Star Wars presence in Tokyo extends across:
- Shibuya, where advertising and window displays showcase characters year-round
- Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City, often home to themed pop-ups
- Tokyo Disneyland, with immersive Galaxy’s Edge-themed corners
From themed vending machines to exhibition cafés, the Force has become part of the city’s pop culture landscape. Even department stores participate, with seasonal Star Wars-themed floors during film anniversaries.
Tokyo doesn’t just host Star Wars—it integrates it.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Fandom and Heritage
Japan’s love for Star Wars is more than surface-level—it’s a fusion of shared values, aesthetics, and storytelling traditions. As Celebration Japan 2025 draws near, the connection feels stronger than ever.
For Japanese fans, Star Wars is both global phenomenon and local favorite. And for the saga itself, Tokyo isn’t just a place to celebrate—it’s a place to come home.
Stay tuned for Part 4 of our series, where we explore the spiritual connections between Zen Buddhism and the Jedi Code.
