To commemorate the release of the latest film in the "Star Wars" series, "The Mandalorian and Glogo" (directed by Jon Favreau, released simultaneously in Japan and the US on May 22), the "Star Wars Returns" exhibition will be held from March 21 to 29 at the Nippon Television Hall on the 2nd floor of Nippon Television in Shiodome, Tokyo.
On the 20th, a press preview was held, where visitors were given an early look at special exhibits that allow them to experience the world of "Star Wars," as well as art collections created by prominent figures from various fields, including Japanese actors, talents, and artists such as Hideaki Ito, Hideyuki Nakayama, and Fuku Suzuki.
The exhibition consists of a "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Glogoo" booth, which features exhibits related to the latest film, and a "Star Wars" booth, which displays photo locations and life-size statues. Upon entering through the entrance gate, visitors are first greeted by the "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Glogoo" booth, where a giant, adorable Glogoo balloon measuring 2.9 meters wide and 3 meters tall welcomes them.
Further inside, a life-size statue of Glogoo is on display, and beyond that, the highlight of the event: a collection of art by famous people. Visitors can enjoy artwork by people like Ito, Suzuki, Takeda Shinji, talent Kumi Sasaki, who openly professes her love for "Star Wars," child actress Yuno Nagao, who caused a stir last year when she dressed up as Glogoo, and VTuber Inugami Korone, who have expressed their love for "Star Wars" by painting on Mandalorian helmets. A calligraphy piece by Nakayama Hideyuki titled "Our Way," which is also the Mandalorian's catchphrase, is also on display.
As you proceed further into the art collection exhibition, you'll come across a gigantic Nebuta float of the Mandalorian and Grogoo, created to commemorate the release of the latest film. Measuring approximately 4.4 meters high, 4.2 meters wide, 3 meters deep, and weighing about 1 ton, it stands out even within the venue. Supervised by Lucasfilm and brought to life as a three-dimensional Nebuta float by a Nebuta artist, it makes a particularly strong impact.
Furthermore, the "Star Wars" booth features a large X-wing "X-wing Starfighter" made of cardboard, as well as life-size statues of popular characters such as Darth Vader, R2-D2, Chewbacca, Stormtroopers, C-3PO, and BB-8. Also on display is carbon freeze art created by the comedy duo "Miki" (Kosei and Asei) and astronaut Soichi Noguchi, inspired by the scene in "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V)" where Han Solo is frozen, and created for the release of "Solo: A Star Wars Story" (2018).
In addition to these exhibits, a booth selling popular Star Wars merchandise will also be set up in the Shiodome underground concourse near the venue.
The movie "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Glogu" is set five years after the death of Darth Vader and the fall of the Empire. The Mandalorian, a ruthless and solitary bounty hunter who adheres to his family's strict rules, never revealing his face to others and performing every job perfectly, takes on a job to deliver Glogu, also known as "The Child," who possesses immense Force power and is said to be a being that can change the world, alive to his client. Although he initially hands Glogu over to the client, the Mandalorian feels a strange connection to him and breaks his family's rules to reclaim Glogu. During their journey, the two gradually develop a bond like that of a father and son. However, remnants of the old Imperial army, who want to obtain Glogu's power at all costs, are pursuing them...
The "Star Wars Returns" exhibition will be held from March 21st to 29th. Opening hours are 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Admission is free.
