The Japanese Badge Art at Star Wars Celebration Remains Stunningly Impressive
Last October, Lucasfilm unveiled a striking array of art prints by globe-trotting artist TAKUMI, set to grace the badges for its upcoming Star Wars extravaganza, Celebration Japan, slated for April 2025 in Japan. Now, with the full set revealed, the visual delight is an eclectic mix of characters spanning the prequels, sequels, and even shows like Andor and The Acolyte. The artwork, reminiscent of traditional Japanese woodblock prints from the Edo period, is a delightful blend of Star Wars culture and Japan's rich artistic heritage.
Last night, Lucasfilm exposed nine additional pieces to augment the 17 badges available at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba. These masterpieces are drawn in the resonant style of ukiyo-e, bridging the galaxy far, far away's centuries-long relationship with Japan with the plethora of contemporary Star Wars media eras.
The selection of characters is captivating, featuring the usual suspects from the original trilogy, such as Darth Vader, Threepio, Artoo, Luke Skywalker, and Princess Leia, accompanied by Padmé and Asajj Ventress, representing the prequels. The 20th anniversary of Revenge of the Sith is also celebrated, boasting an Anakin and Obi-Wan, locked in a breathtaking duel on Mustafar.
Sequel Trilogy fans will find representation in Kylo Ren and Rey's gripping duel from The Last Jedi, while the TV side of the post-Return of the Jedi era is delicately addressed with Din Djarin and Grogu, Ahsoka, and Sabine. Andor's forthcoming season, just after the convention, gets two character badges, giving Cassian and Mon Mothma their moments.
Finally, the High Republic, on the brink of exit from the novel realm, earns three exemplary prints, depicting Kai and Nubs from Young Jedi Adventures, Osha bleeding a lightsaber, and Sol and the Stranger locked in battle.
The Acolyte cast and crew, silenced following the series' somewhat mysterious cancellation, may find solace in the fact that the series will have a presence at the convention through the artwork. Even though it's perhaps just badge art, it pales in comparison to being left in the lurch.
Star Wars Celebration Japan will run from April 18 to 20, 2025. If you're still keen on grabbing a ticket, select ones are still up for grabs.
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- The artwork for the Star Wars Celebration Japan badges, revealed by Lucasfilm, takes inspiration from Japanese woodblock prints and features characters from various Star Wars eras, including those from 'io9's favored shows like Andor and The Acolyte.
- In the upcoming Star Wars Celebration Japan in 2025, badges emblazoned with the distinctive style of ukiyo-e will depict sequences from the prequels, sequels, and TV series, offering a glimpse into the future of technology and movies in Japan.
- As part of the Star Wars Celebration Japan, collectors can obtain badges showcasing a range of iconic characters, including Darth Vader, Grogu, and even representations from the upcoming show The Acolyte, signifying the fusion of Japanese art and Star Wars technology in the year 2025.
- The badges for Star Wars Celebration Japan, taking place in 2025, highlight the franchise's profound ties with Japanese culture, depicting scenes from beloved movies as well as forthcoming TV series, all the while featuring the distinct badges that will be a testament to the future of technology in movies and Japanese pop culture.
