
Fandom often inspires people to invest vast sums of money in the object of their obsession. Often when you visit a real enthusiast’s home, you’ll see so much merchandise that you start to wonder whether they also thought to invest in insurance to protect them if any of it was lost or stolen since the goods’ combined value can in some cases amount to thousands, even tens of thousands, of dollars.
In many ways, the amount of merch a person owns can act as an indicator of how big a fan they are, but what’s even more impressive than dropping exorbitant amounts of cash on a hobby is investing time and energy. Take, for example, this Niconico Video user from Japan who, rather than simply visiting a store or online shop to purchase a swanky new Darth Vader figurine, decided to make one out of little more than a pile of craft paper, and the end result is simply stunning.
This crafty fan’s creative journey began with the construction of a simple light saber. Well I say ‘simple’, but look at the detail on that thing!
But with the light saber nearing completion, its maker decided to build a scale model of the dark lord himself, Darth Vader, crafting everything from paper including his armour,
adorable Vader pants,
limbs,
flowing cloak,
menacing helmet,
and of course his violin. Wait, what!?
Yes, it would appear that this Niconico user is also something of a musician, as midway through building his mini Vader, he had the sudden desire to make his tormented leader a miniature violin to hold instead of his usual light saber, which the hobbyist remarks looked far too big for the figure. It’s an odd choice, but it’s quite nice to see Darth Vader taking time to release tension through music rather performing horrific acts like slicing his own son’s hand off (seriously, if you called “spoiler!” for that one then you’re about 30 years too late…)
▼ The finished product. We think even Vader himself would struggle to be “displeased” with that.
If you’re interested in seeing the construction of this figure in more detail, here’s the original Niconico video in full. Enjoy!











Darth Vader makes Japanese pro baseball debut with killer home run 【Video】
Darth Vader in Death Star armour brandishes lightsaber katana, joins the Samurai force in Japan
If Darth Vader owned an iPhone, he’d probably keep it in a stunning wooden ukiyoe Star Wars case
Buy this Star Wars PC featuring Darth Vader’s ugly mug, impress your nerdy friends
Samurai Darth Vader figure and his light-katana tempt us to the dark/awesome side of the force
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
What’s up with the “mosquito buzz” noise at Shibuya Station?
7-Eleven Japan’s cooked-in-store takoyaki is here! How does it fare against the street food king?
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Time to get wet: Underwater photos of girls in sailor suits and… plastic exoskeletons?
Tsujihan sushi bowl restaurant goes viral with foreign tourists, but is it worth the hype?
Here are the top ten foodie factory tours for the fall throughout Japan
Does thin-strip beef specialist Yoshinoya know what it’s doing with thick-cut pork?【Taste test】
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Studio Ghibli croquettes not to eat, but to keep your stuff in, going on sale in Japan[Photos]
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Awesome cardboard Darth Vader costume lets you become an eco-friendly Jedi villain【Video】
That time Japan went so Star Wars crazy that Luke and Vader made a canned tuna commercial 【Video】