To commemorate the release of the latest film in the "Star Wars" series, "The Mandalorian and Glogo" (directed by Jon Favreau, simultaneously released in Japan and the US on May 22), an event called "STAR WARS GALAXY in the Holy Land of Yurakucho" will be held from April 27 in Yurakucho, Tokyo, a place beloved by fans as a "holy site" where the "legend" began. A special comment has also been received from Kazuo Takeda, former manager of the "Nippon Gekijo" theater in Yurakucho, who has experienced the release of numerous "Star Wars" films.
In 1978, when the first film in the series, "Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV)" (then titled "Star Wars"), was released, the Nippon Theatre (commonly known as Nichigeki, now Yurakucho Marion) stood out as a particularly prominent venue. Its giant, hand-painted billboard with its powerful visuals that made people stop in their tracks became a hot topic, and it achieved record attendance figures at the time. Until its closure on February 4, 2018, Yurakucho, where Nichigeki was located and which screened all "Star Wars" films, was home to the theater, was a beloved "holy site" for Star Wars fans, with long lines forming on the day tickets went on sale and large crowds flocking to see the films as soon as they were released.
"STAR WARS GALAXY in the Holy Land of Yurakucho," held in Yurakucho, a beloved area for fans, will feature panel displays looking back on the history of "Star Wars" to date, panel displays for the new film "The Mandalorian and Glogoo," the first new film in seven years, a limited-time Seiko Marion Clock playing famous "Star Wars" music, a giant Star Wars Nebuta float of The Mandalorian and Glogoo, and a pop-up store selling T-shirts and apparel.
The "Star Wars" history panel displays newspaper articles from when "A New Hope" was released and a timeline introducing the films in chronological order. The "Mandalorian and Glogoo" panel displays the massive Imperial combat vehicle "AT-AT" and the Mandalorian gunship "Razor Crest," among other things.
The Seiko Marion Clock at the entrance of Marion, which features figures appearing every hour on the hour accompanied by music, will be transformed into a Star Wars-themed clock for a limited time. For approximately four and a half minutes, figures wearing Jedi-style robes and wielding lightsabers will appear to the tunes of three songs: "Star Wars Theme," "The Mandalorian," and "Throne Room and End Titles." This marks the first time the Seiko Marion Clock has been transformed into a movie-themed clock.
Mr. Takeda, the former manager of the Nippon Gekijo theater, who witnessed the enthusiastic excitement when the "Star Wars" films were released, commented on holding the event at the "sacred site": "There was certainly a time when people would say, 'I'm going to Yurakucho just to see that movie.' I remember when I was the manager of the Nippon Gekijo, customers would say to me as they were leaving, 'Today you let me dream.' I hope that Marion is still that kind of place."
"STAR WARS GALAXY in the Holy Land of Yurakucho" will be held at Yurakucho Marion (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo). Panels in the concourse will be on display from April 27th to May 4th (1pm to 10pm on April 27th only, 8:30am to 10pm from April 28th onwards). The Seiko Marion Clock will be on display every hour from 10am to 10pm from April 27th to May 31st (open to the public from noon only on April 27th), the pillar decorations in the concourse will be on display from April 27th to the end of May, and the pop-up store will be open from April 29th to May 5th.
The film "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Glogu" is set five years after the death of Darth Vader and the fall of the Empire. In a galaxy that has become a lawless wasteland, the Mandalorian, a solitary bounty hunter who perfectly completes any job while adhering to strict rules under the motto "Our Way," takes on a job to deliver alive Glogu, also known as "The Child," a mischievous and gluttonous creature with immense Force powers, to his client. The Mandalorian initially hands over Glogu in exchange for a large reward, but feeling a strange connection, he breaks the rules and takes Glogu back. During their journey, they gradually develop a bond like that of a father and son. "He'll outlive me. I can't protect him forever..." The story follows these two, bound by an unbreakable bond, as they confront destiny to prevent a new war aimed at the resurgence of the Empire.
The full text of Mr. Takeda's comments is as follows:
◇Comment from Kazuo Takeda, former manager of Nippon Theatre
-- Do you have any anecdotes that made you realize how amazing "Star Wars" was when the movie was released?
The first "Star Wars" film was released in the US in May 1977. Japanese movie fans had to wait a year for it. The anticipation was immense, and they eagerly counted down the days until the release. When it finally came out, the screenings at the Nichigeki theater were packed with people. To put it in modern terms, it was a massive gathering of "Star Wars fans." Every day felt like a special event screening.
--Please tell us how you feel about the release of the latest "Star Wars" movie in theaters after a 7-year hiatus.
Star Wars is more of an experience than something you simply watch. Its greatest appeal lies in the feeling of experiencing the grand space adventures that boys dreamed of, in the darkness of a movie theater. I highly recommend immersing yourself in the visuals and music at a movie theater.
--What are your thoughts on the event being held at your former home, Yurakucho Marion?
Watching movies at well-equipped local multiplexes is commonplace now, but there was certainly a time when people would say, "I'll go to Yurakucho just to see that movie." I remember a customer saying to me as they were leaving, "Today you let me dream." I hope Marion remains that kind of place today.
