Kabuki actor Onoe Matsuya appeared at the unveiling event for the "STAR WARS GALAXY in the Holy Land of Yurakucho" exhibition, which opened on April 27th in Yurakucho, Tokyo, a place beloved by fans as a "holy site" for the "Star Wars" film series. The event commemorated the release of the latest film in the series, "The Mandalorian and Glogo" (directed by Jon Favreau, released simultaneously in Japan and the US on May 22nd), the first in seven years. Astronaut Soichi Noguchi and Reni Takagi of the idol group "Momoiro Clover Z" also attended the event.
When asked about his own "sacred place," in keeping with the theme of "sacred places," Matsuya answered "Ginza," and explained, "It's not just because the Kabuki-za Theatre is there, but my family home has actually been in Ginza for a long time. It might sound a bit arrogant, but I'm a city boy. This Yurakucho area is truly my hometown. For me, the scenery of Ginza is my hometown, so more than seeing any other beautiful scenery, being in this town makes me feel at ease. Ginza is the most relaxing place for me." Incidentally, Takashiro answered "Yokohama," and Noguchi answered "Kennedy Space Center."
In 1978, when the first film in the series, "Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV)" (then titled "Star Wars"), was released, the giant hand-painted billboard at the Nippon Gekijo (commonly known as Nichigeki, now Yurakucho Marion) became a hot topic, and the theater 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, became 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.
"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 after the death of Darth Vader and the collapse of the Empire. In a lawless galaxy, 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.
