A New Hope opened in wide release in Japan in July of 1978, and Celebration Japan was a fitting continuation of a year-long 30th anniversary commemoration of the Star Wars Saga. Celebration IV in Los Angeles and Celebration Europe in London, both held in the summer of 2007, kicked off festivities that would eventually take place on three continents.
The cultural phenomenon that is Star Wars, and that is the Star Wars fan community, proved once again that the Saga transcends countries, languages, and locations. Fans waited patiently in long lines each day before the show opened, waiting to race through the doors to their coveted event, exhibit, autograph, or shopping opportunity. They wore Star Wars costumes that were everything from silly to sublime, crowded to the main stage to get a first glimpse of The Clone Wars animated series, and took hundreds of pictures at the many photo stations in the hall.
The Main Stage was a center of excitement at the show. Each day, The Clone Wars supervising director Dave Filoni shared footage of the upcoming series, and shared behind-the-scenes insights on making the long-awaited features. Joining Filoni on stage at different times during the weekend were Atsushi Takeuchi, director of the episode "Lair of General Grievous"; Matt Wood, the voice of Grievous; and the Japanese pop girl group, AKB48.
Other highlights on the main stage during the week included appearances by actors Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Ray Park (Darth Maul), and many more. On the exhibit hall floor fans browsed new Star Wars merchandise, and took in the Vader Project exhibit, a collection of underground art Darth Vader helmets, complete with a dozen new helmets crafted by Japanese artists.
The members of the Japanese fan community were generous hosts to their worldwide Star Wars friends. The Japanese Rebel Legion presented lightsaber exhibitions daily, and the 501st Legion served as a host to Legion members from everywhere. Goro Inoue created a beautifully realistic, real-sized dewback after the fashion of the original A New Hope creatures, and invited attendees to sit on its back for photos. There was always a line!
As with the Celebrations in Europe and the States, Celebration Japan was a festival of families as well as fans. Kids lined up to receive lightsaber training from a "Jedi Master" on the stage in the exhibit hall. The kids category in the costume contest was filled with adorable entries, and many families took a break and took advantage of the kids' Star Wars craft area.
The weekend closed with fans asking, "When is the next Celebration?" In any language, in any place, Star Wars fans are ready to gather together and celebrate the Saga.
Click here to check out the Official Star Wars Flickr set from Celebration Japan, and here for all the coverage from the Official Star Wars Blog.
