It was revealed on May 15th that actor Hideaki Ito provided the narration for "Welcome Back, Star Wars," a special animated feature accompanying "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Glogo" (directed by Jon Favreau), the first Star Wars film in seven years, which will be released simultaneously in Japan and the US on May 22nd.
◇The feelings that are passed down from parent to child resonate with Hideaki Ito's own experiences.
The animated film "Welcome Back, Star Wars" emotionally expresses the enduring legacy of the "Star Wars" series across generations and the connection between parents and children.
This film depicts the life of a young boy who first encountered "Star Wars" as a child and was captivated by its epic galactic adventure. It warmly and delicately portrays the presence of "Star Wars" that has accompanied him through every milestone in his life, from the excitement he felt for his first movie theater experience, to the memories of his youth, and the joy of watching "Star Wars" again with his own children years later.
The video depicts the grown-up boy becoming a father, and how his feelings are passed down to his children and then to the next generation. The line "Welcome back, Star Wars" spoken at the end resonates deeply, as if speaking for fans who have been eagerly awaiting the latest film's theatrical release after a seven-year hiatus. It is a heartwarming video that succinctly expresses the legacy of "Star Wars," which is passed down from parents to children and then to the next generation, and will surely appeal to fans who have loved the series for many years.
The video's narration is provided by Ms. Ito, a huge fan of the series. Ms. Ito has been familiar with "Star Wars" since childhood, and her own son is also a fan of the series. The feelings of passing down from parent to child depicted in the video resonate with Ms. Ito's own experiences, and with a gentle, comforting tone, she expresses with great emotion the "feelings for Star Wars that are passed down through generations."
◇Words of a Jedi Master that have continued to influence the deepest parts of one's life
Along with the release of the special animation, an interview video with Mr. Ito was also released. Mr. Ito, who has been fascinated by "Star Wars" since his childhood and has followed the series for over 40 years, speaks passionately about what "Star Wars" means to him and his expectations for the latest installment.
When asked about his first encounter with "Star Wars," Ito recalled, "Even now, I collect figures from other franchises besides 'Star Wars,' but 'Star Wars' was what I was most obsessed with collecting. Back then, social media wasn't as developed as it is now, so I had to go out and find toy stores myself. I loved the feeling of discovering things like a treasure hunt."
That passion eventually spread to the work itself, and since becoming an actor, he says, "I really enjoy thinking about things like, 'What were George Lucas and John Williams thinking when they composed the music for this work?' and 'How did George Lucas share the images in his head with everyone?'" His interest in the series seems endless. Regarding the influence "Star Wars" has had on him, he commented, "When I first encountered 'Star Wars' as a child, I was drawn to the music, the characters, and Darth Vader's overwhelming terror and presence, and I was influenced by many aspects of it. I think what 'Star Wars' valued most was 'family love' and 'things to be passed down'."
He further revealed that the series continues to have a profound influence on his life, saying, "The Jedi Master's line, 'Do or not. There is no trial,' is something I always hear in my head when I encounter a wall that I have to overcome. I didn't understand it when I was a child, but I think the feeling behind it has been building up inside me all this time." He also spoke about the Mandalorian who appears in the latest film, saying, "The Mandalorian, the protagonist of this film, also has someone he must protect, and I think the philosophy that 'Star Wars' wants to convey has influenced me to a considerable extent."
He revealed that his own son is a fan of the series, and smiled as he said, "When I first showed it to my son, he seemed really moved by the main theme of 'Star Wars,' and I was so happy to see him acting like a conductor." He said that when his son was four years old, they went to a "Star Wars" orchestra event together, and as his son grew up, they've had conversations like, "Where did you watch it from, Dad?" and "How did they film this?" He said it's interesting to see how his perspective on Star Wars changes through his son, and he seems to have experienced the "experience of passing it down from parent to child." He added, "I'm really looking forward to going to the movie theater with my own child and bringing my Glogoo. I wonder what kind of drama it will show us. I think it's a work that will be passed down from father to son, and then from son to father, so I have high expectations."
He shared anecdotes such as how he keeps a framed, UV-protected, autographed card from Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker, and when asked "If you could appear in Star Wars?", he replied, "My dream is to become a figure, so I'd be happy with any role that would allow me to become a figure! I'd even be happy as a Stormtrooper, just to be in it!" These comments show that he is a die-hard fan.
When asked what he wants to pass on to the next generation, Ito said, "I want to pass on the 'excitement itself' I felt when I first encountered Star Wars, to future generations." This interview is filled with "Star Wars love," something only someone who has loved the series for many years could express.
◇Next year marks the 50th anniversary; a new film starring Ryan Gosling is also on the way.
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.
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the US theatrical release of the first film in the series, "Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV)." It has also been announced that "Star Wars: Starfighter," starring Ryan Gosling, will be released in the US in May 2027.
