Three-Day Event at Makuhari-Messe Convention Center Near Tokyo July 19 to 21 Will Be Filled with Entertainment, Celebrities, Exhibits, Immersive Events, Costumes and Much More
Celebrating the Japanese 30th anniversary of Star Wars, Lucasfilm Ltd. and The Lewis Daniel Group will present the first-ever Star Wars Celebration event in the Asia-Pacific region from July 19 to 21 at the Makuhari-Messe Convention Center near Tokyo.
Expected to be one of the largest events ever for fans of the Star Wars Saga, Star Wars Celebration Japan will begin a little more than 30 years after the movie premiered in Japan on June 24, 1978.
The three-day event will be filled with live entertainment, celebrities, special presentations, unique Star Wars exhibits, exclusive merchandise, pop-culture tributes, immersive events, costume contests, and many additional activities.
Star Wars Celebration Japan will take place from Saturday, July 19, through Monday, July 21, which is Ocean Day, a national holiday. Moreover, the three-day weekend marks the start of the summer school holiday for children throughout the country, making Star Wars Celebration Japan the perfect way for multiple generations of fans to enjoy this unprecedented experience together.
The Makuhari-Messe is a world-class, modern convention and exhibition center located conveniently in Chiba prefecture on the main rail line between downtown Tokyo and Narita Airport. There are several major hotels within a few minutes' walk of the center.
"Star Wars has enjoyed incredible popularity in Japan for three decades, and we are honored to show our appreciation to Japanese audiences on this milestone anniversary of the movie's opening there," said Steve Sansweet, Director of Content Management and Head of Fan Relations for Lucasfilm.
"Japanese audiences have been among the most enthusiastic and devoted Star Wars fans and we couldn't let this anniversary pass without thanking them. We are very pleased to add Celebration Japan to a growing worldwide lineup of Star Wars Celebration events."
In May 2007, Star Wars Celebration IV, attracted more than 35,000 fans from all over the world for a five-day event in Los Angeles; and Star Wars Celebration Europe, the first such event outside of the U.S., drew more than 30,000 people in London in July 2007, far exceeding the expectations of its organizers.
The announcement of Star Wars Celebration Japan was made jointly by Lucasfilm Ltd. and the Lewis Daniel Group, a Houston, Texas-based company with expertise and operating experience in media and entertainment businesses, and which will manage the event in cooperation with Lucasfilm.
"Japan is the ideal site for a Star Wars Celebration," Sansweet said, "since there are many Japanese influences in the Saga. Star Wars has roots in the culture and mythos of Japan, and we look forward to celebrating this unique connection during the event," he added, citing a similarity between the stoic Samurai and Jedi Knights of Star Wars as one example.
"LDG is thrilled to be working with Lucasfilm on this very special event," said Lewis Daniel Group (LDG) President Jeff Daniel and Chief Marketing Officer Michael Richman in a joint statement. "As life-long Star Wars fans, we take great pride in bringing the excitement of a Star Wars Celebration to Japan. Collectively, we have been working in the live entertainment business for more than 30 years, and we have never been more excited about producing an event."
One of the highlights for fans at Star Wars Celebrations is the chance to buy unique, event-specific merchandise. Star Wars Celebration Japan will be no exception, with many exciting exclusive items to be announced in the coming months. Likewise, a robust roster of incredible experiences, events and live entertainment will be announced soon.
In addition to official Star Wars licensees, booth space at Star Wars Celebration Japan will be available to independent collectibles dealers and retailers. Information about booth space rental will be made available shortly.
The official Star Wars website will be the primary source for updates about programming, guests, activities, entertainment, and exclusive merchandise at Celebration Japan.
Fans, and those interested in exhibiting and vending, will soon be able to register for updates at www.celebrationjapan.com or www.celebrationjapan.jp. Information about ordering tickets will be available soon, including special instructions for international fans. There also will be an opportunity to purchase travel packages, both within Japan and internationally. Please refer to www.starwars.com or www.celebrationjapan.com for more information to be released soon.
