The latest film in the Star Wars series, "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Glogo" (directed by Jon Favreau), the first theatrical release in seven years, will be released simultaneously in Japan and the US on May 22nd. On May 13th, traditional crafts from seven cities across Japan, officially recognized by Lucasfilm, were unveiled.
George Lucas created "Star Wars" under the great influence of Japanese culture and period dramas such as Akira Kurosawa's "The Hidden Fortress" and "Seven Samurai." Japanese armor and helmets were incorporated into Darth Vader's mask, swords into lightsabers, and kimonos and obi sashes into the Jedi robes, demonstrating the strong influence of Japanese culture throughout "Star Wars."
Director Jon Favreau, who helmed the latest installment, said his life was profoundly changed when he first saw "Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV)" (1977) in a movie theater at the age of 10. In making this film, he researched Japanese culture and period dramas that influenced George Lucas. He used the relationship between Ogami Itto and his son Daigoro from "Lone Wolf and Cub" as inspiration for depicting the bond between the Mandalorian and Glogoo.
This work, which has deep ties to Japanese culture, has come together in a special collaboration with traditional Japanese cultures that are passed down in seven cities across Japan.
The first is "Daigamori-yaki," a type of pottery made using traditional techniques and materials from Miyagi Prefecture. It recreates the image of the legendary bounty hunter Mandalorian with a tiny Glogoo perched on his shoulder. The second is "Ocha-zome," which uses parts discarded during the production process of "tea," a key industry in Shizuoka Prefecture. Amidst a distinctly Japanese pattern, it depicts the Mandalorian flying through the galaxy with Glogoo in his arms. The third is "Wajima-nuri" from Ishikawa Prefecture, which uses the deep black of lacquer and the chinkin technique (a technique of carving into lacquer and embedding gold leaf or gold powder). Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan, is depicted in gold on the mask worn by the Mandalorian.
The fourth is the "Kyoto Wagasa" umbrella from Kyoto Prefecture, used in Shinto and Buddhist ceremonies and as decorations for shops. The umbrella handle depicts the Mandalorian standing with his name "Mancharorian" written in kanji, and Glogu looking as if he's about to use the Force with his name "Gurogu" written in kanji. The fifth is the "Bunraku puppet" from Osaka Prefecture, used in "Bunraku puppet theater," which has continued since the Edo period. Craftsmen carefully carved the wood to create a Glogu puppet that is both cute and dignified. The sixth is the "Kendama," a cup-and-ball game that originated in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and has a history of over 100 years. The entire body of the giant kendama represents the Mandalorian, and the ball part is decorated with the Mandalorian's silver mask. The seventh is the "Jojima Onigawara," a decorative roof tile from Fukuoka Prefecture with a history of about 400 years, characterized by its tarnished silver luster and high durability. Craftsmen carefully shaped it by hand, resulting in a silver Onigawara depicting the Mandalorian and Glogu, bound together by the bond between father and son.
The Mandalorian's motto, "Our Way," symbolizes his life as a legendary bounty hunter who perfectly executes any job. And the traditional crafts of Japan, passed down through generations, share a common spirit of "protecting" what is important, upholding established "rules," and "inheriting" skills. This bond is reminiscent of the father-son relationship between the Mandalorian and Glogoo, and also reflects the "bonds" of culture and people that have been passed down in Japan. The Mandalorian never removes his mask in public and always protects his precious comrades, while Japanese craftsmen uphold the established forms and continue to protect their skills and culture together with their comrades. The shared desire of both sides to uphold "Our Way"—to pass on their assigned roles to the future while adhering to established rules—has resulted in a deep and meaningful collaboration between traditional Japanese crafts and "Star Wars."
The film "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Glogo" 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," gradually develops a father-son-like bond with Glogo, the mischievous and gluttonous "The Child," who possesses immense Force powers, during their journey together. "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.
