Star Wars fans gathered in droves at the Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 pre-night festival, which took place on April 17, 2025, in Mihama Ward, Chiba City. This event marks the first time in 17 years that the Star Wars Celebration is being held in Japan, and the excitement was palpable among attendees.
Among the notable figures in attendance were voice actors Taizo Harakawa and Tomoyuki Morikawa, along with Yuto Nakajima from Hey! Say! JUMP and the comedy duo Miki, consisting of Asei and Akina. The event featured a photo session with these stars, who expressed their enthusiasm for the beloved franchise.
Harakawa, who voiced Anakin Skywalker, reflected on his journey with the character, saying, "I have been allowed to play many 'dark side' characters after portraying Anakin, and I am grateful for that opportunity." He encouraged fans to continue loving Anakin, emphasizing the character's lasting impact on his career.
Morikawa, known for his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi, shared his sentiments about the voice acting community, stating, "I was raised as a voice actor, and I hold a strong attachment to my role. The success of the standalone series 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' has been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to continuing this journey with the fans." His passion for the franchise was evident, and he expressed eagerness for upcoming projects.
Yuto Nakajima, a self-proclaimed Star Wars superfan, expressed his excitement about the event, noting, "This is the first time in 17 years that the celebration is being held in Japan. It's a once-in-a-celestial-show cycle! I couldn't miss this opportunity." He reminisced about his previous experiences at international Star Wars Celebrations, saying, "I felt the Force become stronger as fans from all over the world gathered to share their love for Star Wars."
The duo Miki, consisting of brothers Asei and Akina, also shared their joy at the event. Asei expressed his admiration for the series, particularly "The Mandalorian," stating, "There are many surprises, and it’s becoming a central part of the Star Wars saga." Meanwhile, Akina expressed his desire to venture into voice acting, showcasing the influence of the franchise on aspiring artists.
One of the standout moments of the event came from Hideo Noguchi, an astronaut with over 40 years of fandom experience. He shared a remarkable story about watching Season 2 of "The Mandalorian" while aboard the International Space Station (ISS). He recounted, "I asked NASA personnel to set it up for me. There was an episode where we learned about the name Grogu, and it became a hot topic among the crew. It was surreal to discuss Star Wars in space!" His tale captivated the audience and highlighted the global reach of the franchise.
The Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 is set to take place from April 18 to April 20 at Makuhari Messe. To celebrate the occasion, a 'Star Wars Festival' will also be held at Toyosuna Park, adjacent to Aeon Mall Makuhari New City. This festival will feature giant Nebuta displays, photo spots, and various themed experiences, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the Star Wars universe.
For fans eager to take home a piece of the experience, RAGEBLUE will open a pop-up store at the celebration, offering six limited-edition items inspired by the Star Wars saga. These items will be available for pre-sale starting April 18, 2025, and will include retro-style T-shirts and accessories featuring artwork from the original trilogy.
RAGEBLUE, a brand known for blending American casual and European traditional styles, aims to capture the essence of the Star Wars legacy through its exclusive merchandise. The pop-up store will run concurrently with the celebration, and the items will officially launch on April 25, 2025, at select RAGEBLUE stores and online.
The Star Wars Celebration is not just an event; it’s a cultural phenomenon that brings together fans of all ages. It provides a platform for sharing memories, rekindling old friendships, and forging new connections within the community. With immersive exhibits, celebrity guests, and interactive activities, the celebration promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for attendees.
As the event approaches, anticipation continues to build among fans worldwide. Nakajima, embodying the spirit of the fan community, urged everyone to soak up the Force during this unique period, saying, "Please activate your Midi-Chlorians and strengthen the Force!" His words resonated with many, reminding everyone of the enduring impact of Star Wars on generations of fans.
With the celebration just around the corner, fans are eager to witness the magic of Star Wars come to life once more in Japan. The event is set to be a spectacular showcase of creativity, passion, and love for a franchise that has captured the hearts of millions.
