Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 Guide: Full Schedule, Guests & Exclusive Merch

Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 is right around the corner, landing in Chiba from April 18 to 20 at the iconic Makuhari Messe. For fans across the galaxy, this is more than a convention—it’s a cultural fusion of East and West, Jedi and samurai, with major announcements, exclusive merchandise, and once-in-a-lifetime moments.

This is our fifth and final article in our Star Wars & Japan series, leading up to Celebration Japan. If you’ve been following along—thank you. If you’re just joining us, you’re in for a galactic finale.

Whether you’re attending in person or planning to catch the live stream from hyperspace, here’s your ultimate Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 guide.

1. Big Panels & Major Announcements

One of the biggest reasons fans gather for Celebration? The panels—and this year’s Star Wars Celebration schedule is packed with headline-grabbing reveals and insider deep dives.

Friday, April 18 Highlights:

The Mandalorian and Grogu: Expect updates on the upcoming film and behind-the-scenes insights into everyone’s favorite bounty hunter and child duo.
Lucasfilm Publishing Panels: Including Manga Mania! and Stories from a Galaxy Far, Far Away…, with sneak peeks at upcoming novels, comics, and manga.

Saturday, April 19 Highlights:

Andor: A Star Wars Story: A deep dive into the upcoming season and its political thriller roots.
Ahsoka Panel: Rosario Dawson and crew take the stage to explore the show’s impact and future.
Oscar Isaac Spotlight: A one-on-one conversation with Poe Dameron himself.
Bit Reactor x Lucasfilm Games: New details on the tactical Star Wars strategy game in development.

Sunday, April 20 Highlights:

Visions Season 3 First Look: New anime shorts blending Japanese artistry with Star Wars mythos.
50 Years of ILM: Celebrate half a century of movie magic with John Knoll and the VFX masters.
Disney Imagineering Panel: Explore how Star Wars comes to life at theme parks.
Closing Ceremony: A final celebration of everything announced, teased, and revealed.

2. Star-Powered Guest Appearances

Prepare your autograph books and camera phones. This year’s lineup is stellar:

Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker)
Rosario Dawson (Ahsoka Tano)
Diego Luna (Cassian Andor)
Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron)
Ahmed Best, Anthony Daniels, Ashley Eckstein, Temuera Morrison, and many more

Behind-the-scenes legends like Doug Chiang and John Knoll will also appear—perfect for fans who love the magic of Star Wars production as much as its heroes and villains.

3. Exclusive Merchandise Drops

Celebration always delivers when it comes to merch, and Japan 2025 takes it up a notch with collectibles that blend galactic style with Japanese flair.

Must-grabs include:

Black Series Ronin & R5-D56 Figures
1/6th Scale Cherry Blossom Stormtrooper by Hot Toys
Limited-edition apparel featuring traditional Japanese art, kanji, and anime aesthetics

Pro tip: Merch queues can get intense. Use the official event app to track drops and line wait times.

4. Cultural Mashups: Star Wars Meets Japan

This is where Celebration Japan truly shines. From samurai influences in The Mandalorian to the anime genius of Visions, Star Wars has long been inspired by Japanese culture. Now, it comes full circle.

Don’t miss:

Anime & Manga Pavilion: Showcasing art, animation, and live talks from Japanese creators.
Grogu: Cutest in the Galaxy Pop-up: An immersive experience with anime shorts, themed merch, and interactive displays.
Cosplay Fusion Zone: Samurai Jedi? Kimono Sith? Expect next-level creativity blending galaxies and eras.
Cultural Experiences: Calligraphy workshops, themed Japanese food stalls, and more.

5. Tips for Attendees

Whether you’re traveling from Tokyo or Tatooine, be ready with these tips:

Transportation: Makuhari Messe is easily accessible via train from central Tokyo.
Tech Up: Bring a portable charger, install the Celebration app, and download the map ahead of time.
Cosplay Rules: Weapons must be peace-bonded. No real katanas, even if they match your Obi-Wan kimono.
Food & Break Zones: Japan does con food right—but hydration is key.
Language Support: English signage and app options available, but brushing up on basic Japanese phrases doesn’t hurt.

6. Can’t Attend? Here’s How to Follow Along

No badge? No problem.

Star Wars Celebration LIVE! will stream select panels, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments each day.

Follow along on social media:

#SWCelebrationJapan
#StarWarsJapan
@SW_Celebration (X / Twitter)

And be sure to check back on swtorstrategies.com after the event for full recaps, merch lists, and panel breakdowns.

Final Thoughts

From blockbuster announcements to cherry blossom troopers, Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 promises to be a celebration like no other. It’s a love letter to both a galaxy far, far away—and the culture that helped inspire it.

Stay tuned. We’ll see you there—or in the livestream chat. May the Force (and the festival vibes) be with you.