To celebrate the release of the latest film in the Star Wars series, The Mandalorian and Grogu (directed by Jon Favreau, released simultaneously in Japan and the US on May 22nd), the "Star Wars Returns" exhibition will be held. It has been announced that the exhibition will include a special exhibit that allows visitors to experience the world of Star Wars, as well as an art collection exhibit featuring Japanese actors, entertainers, and artists active in various fields, including Hideaki Ito, Hideyuki Nakayama, and Fuku Suzuki.
In the film "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu," five years after the death of Darth Vader and the collapse of the Empire, the Mandalorian, a ruthless, lone bounty hunter who follows the strict rules of his family and never reveals his true face to others, and who carries out any job perfectly, accepts a job: to deliver Grogu, also known as "The Child," who possesses great Force powers and is said to be a being that can change the world, alive to his client.
The Mandalorian initially handed Grogu over in exchange for a large sum of money, but he felt a mysterious connection and broke the family rules to recapture Grogu. During their journey, the two gradually developed a bond like that of father and son. However, they were pursued by remnants of the former Imperial Army, desperate to obtain Grogu's power at all costs... This is the story.
The "Star Wars Exhibition" has been held at the time of the film's release in 2015, 2017, and 2019. This time, it will be held from March 21st to 29th at the NTV Hall on the second floor of Nippon Television in Shiodome, Tokyo. In addition to exhibits such as the X-wing, which appeared at "Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025" held in Japan last year and caused a stir, a giant adorable Grogu balloon, and Nebuta floats of the Mandalorian and Grogu, there will also be life-size statues of popular characters such as Darth Vader, R2-D2, and Chewbacca, a photo spot where you can immerse yourself in the world of "Star Wars," and a Star Wars stamp corner created specifically for the exhibition.
The highlight of the event will be the Art Collection Exhibition, showcasing Mandalorian artwork created with the participation of celebrities, brands, and artists. In addition to actors Ito and Suzuki, attendees include child actor Yuno Nagao, who made waves for her Grogu costume at last year's Star Wars Parade; VTuber Inugami Korone; celebrity and self-proclaimed Star Wars fan Kumi Sasaki; and actor Takeda Shinji, among others. Nakayama, a well-known calligrapher who has held solo exhibitions overseas, will create and exhibit a calligraphy piece that includes "Our Way," the Mandalorian's motto.
There will also be a booth where you can purchase popular Star Wars merchandise in the Shiodome underground concourse near the venue.
The full comments from the participating artists and brands (in alphabetical order) are as follows:
◇Hideaki Ito (Actor)
I'm a huge Star Wars fan. Jango Fett and Boba Fett hold special meaning to me. They are passed down from father to son. The feelings behind their strength. I wanted to express that "parental love" through color, so I created this helmet. It's a helmet that expresses my respect as a fan and my own interpretation of them.
◇Inugami Korone (VTuber)
The reason I fell in love with Star Wars was the Boba Fett drama. Even though the customization was slightly different, the armor looked the same, so if it looked the same as Boba's, there was no way I wouldn't like The Mandalorian! So I started watching it. Din, despite his clumsiness, was cool as he loved and fought to protect Grogu, and I couldn't help but find it precious and adorable to watch him gradually become a father... I was completely hooked. I think it's truly a blessing to be able to watch The Mandalorian in the cinema. Korone was also drawn to the coolness of the armor and fell in love with Star Wars, so I hope this movie will bring even more Mandalorian and Star Wars fans! More comrades! Our path!
◇OZ WORKS (art rug brand)
I have been watching the Star Wars series for a long time. I have always been overwhelmed by the stories, characters, and the magnificent worldview and connections created by the entire series. This powerful worldview has had a major impact on our way of thinking and sensibilities, and I feel that its energy is infused into my creative work in no small part.
◇ Kumi Sasaki(talent)
My whole family loves the Star Wars series, and I myself grew up with it! All the characters are fascinating and I love them! The relationship between the Mandalorian and Grogu is endearing in a way that hasn't been seen in the Star Wars series before. I'll never forget the shock I felt when I first met Grogu. I love him so much that he's my favorite character in the Star Wars series! The Mandalorians were also in the Star Wars series, but they were a mysterious race, so I'm very happy to live in an age where I can share in the unfolding of these mysteries with all Star Wars fans in real time!
◇ Tadaomi Shibuya (Artist)
"Star Wars" is a wonderful work that has had a huge influence on me, from my childhood when I loved science fiction and superheroes to the present day when I am an artist. I am truly honored to be able to participate in this project once again. I hope that "Star Wars" will continue to exist in the future, giving us great dreams and hope across generations and eras. I am really looking forward to the release of "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu"!!!
◇Fuku Fuku Suzuki(actor)
This film has given dreams and hope to many people since long before I was born, and for me, it always brings back that childlike spirit whenever I watch it. When I was in elementary school, "The Force Awakens (Episode 7)" was released, and I was a boy who would wear Kylo Ren's mask, swing a lightsaber, and wear Kylo Ren's cap to school. Even now, when I look at the night sky, I imagine that there is a Millennium Falcon or an X-Wing somewhere, and I believe that if I train hard enough, I might be able to control the Force. One day, I would like to become an actor who can appear in a spectacular, dream-filled work like "Star Wars"!!
◇ Shinji Takeda (Actor/Talent/Saxophonist)
My first experience with Star Wars was watching the first film, "A New Hope (Episode IV)," on TV. When I saw the bantha that appeared early in the film, I was immediately captivated by the wonder that such creatures really existed in other countries. I also held my breath and cheered along when Luke was dragged underwater by the dianoga in the Death Star's garbage disposal room (lol). I remember like it was yesterday playing the scene in the Falcon where Luke trains his Force skills, blindfolded, holding a toy bat, and having my sister throw rolled-up socks at me, trying to avoid them with my mind's eye. I truly believe that without "Star Wars," I would not have been able to choose a life of adventure. Thank you, "Star Wars"☆ Please continue to entertain us!!
◇CHALKBOY (Artist)
Star Wars fans, the creators, and the characters in the series. I think the connection between each of them is truly the Force. I look forward to being driven by this powerful, invisible force in the future.
◇DRAGON76 (Artist)
I've loved Star Wars since I was a child, and I've been particularly drawn to Boba Fett, his father Jango Fett, and the Mandalorian. Having moved from Japan to New York and using my skills and values to carry out my work, I feel like I'm following my own path, relying on my own beliefs and style, just like the Mandalorian. I see myself in the way he moves into unknown places, even when alone, while adhering to his own code.
◇ Yuno Nagao(actor)
I've watched the Star Wars series over and over again. What I find amazing about Star Wars is that, while the story is of course fascinating, there's something new I discover every time I watch it, making it a series I want to watch again and again. Also, director George Lucas's imagination and ideas are truly amazing, and as I myself write the scripts, I have a lot of respect for him. And after seven years, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu will finally be released on May 22, 2026, so I'm really excited.
◇Hideyuki Nakayama (talent)
I am extremely honored and grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the event for the latest Star Wars film with my calligraphy. As this is a historic work, I have entrusted it to the calligraphy with a new feeling, taking into account its history and journey to date. The way of life of the solitary bounty hunter, the Mandalorian. I have expressed this important spirit, being conscious of the intensity within his strength, as well as his delicate heart and kindness. I also believe that his love for Grogu, who holds the power of the Force within him, is an important relationship in today's world. I have incorporated the grandeur of the galaxy into my work. I look forward to seeing you at the venue.
