Approach again in 1994 on a Financial institution Vacation Monday I used to be listening to the radio within the UK once I first heard the “Could the 4th be with you” line which within the final decade or so has actually taken off world wide with varied Star Wars-related occasions going down to mark the event. Japan has acquired in on the act lately and now one can anticipate to see some type of occasion or celebration of the franchise yearly.
The day does fall properly for individuals dwelling in Japan as it’s in the course of the annual Golden Week vacation which suggests the overwhelming majority of individuals (exterior of the service trade) aren’t at work and capable of partake in any actions ought to they want to take action. Thoughts you, there’s competitors from correct, extra conventional holidays like Greenery Day and Kids’s Day.
The Star Wars themed stuff was just for the massive day itself however in the previous few years it has expanded into an extended time interval, and we now get a build-up! For 2024, it started on Friday twenty sixth April with a few completely different locations celebrating Star Wars Day. This submit is all concerning the stuff in Yokohama, and the following one will deal with Tokyo.
Yokohama is definitely Japan’s second largest metropolis though many individuals simply take into account it an extension of Tokyo given the shut proximity of it to the capital. Minatomirai is only one prepare cease south of Yokohama station, and inside moments of exiting the ticket gate some Star Wars music may very well be heard, and it wasn’t even the primary theme or Imperial March which are sometimes probably the most prevalent ones. A lifesize R2-D2 quickly got here into sight which was a aid as I assumed all of the Star Wars stuff could have been tougher to seek out.
Somewhat additional into the Mark IS Minatomirai shopping center, and I discovered what is likely one of the fundamental displays; Vader, Artoo and Yoda constructed from Lego bricks. Lego blocks and swimming pools can be found for teenagers to play with too.
The opposite facet reveals a picture that was not too long ago launched to advertise the upcoming Star Wars Celebration Japan II occasion subsequent yr. Marker pens are current for followers to put in writing one thing on the commemorative message board. I used to be there a short while after the place opened so there have been just some feedback on the canvas however it’ll be attention-grabbing to see (by way of social media) the white background disappear in inked messages of affection.
Up on the fifth flooring is a newly opened cinema which is ready to indicate all 9 of the Skywalker saga films (three per day) in chronological order from Could 4th until Could sixth. A particular certificates might be given to those that watch all of them!
Han Solo in carbonite
There was a lifesize Sith trooper statue from ‘The Rise of Skywalker‘ (2019) within the foyer in addition to a clone trooper constructed from Lego.
Landmark Plaza shopping center is just some minutes stroll from there, and a statue of Yoda on the third flooring, there’s! See what I did there!!
There’s a massive video display shut by which might be displaying some well-known scenes from the saga A light-weight present may even happen and only a stone’s throw from there’s a pop-up store promoting unique items corresponding to t-shirts, tote luggage, figures, stationery and smartphone-related merchandise.
As I used to be heading off to my remaining vacation spot in Yokohama I got here throughout this Grogu picture spot.
A 20 minute stroll in wonderful Spring climate to Yokohama station was subsequent and the close by Sky Constructing had a ‘Star Wars: Visions‘ exhibit on the tenth flooring.
Data and idea artwork is displayed beneath every of the 9 quick Japanese animations which have been a part of the 2 seasons of this critically acclaimed TV sequence.
There are much more Star Wars actions going down in Minatomirai throughout the weekend of Could the 4th itself corresponding to decorations, picture spots, costumed characters, stamp rallies, poster displays, reside music and lightsaber balloon distributions. With all that, it looks as if this pun-based occasion is now firmly part of the Golden Week festivities in Japan.
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