These Star Wars folding screens, unveiled at Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, are based on a traditional Japanese design…and they’re pretty awesome too!
The folding screens pictured below were revealed on Monday at Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, one of Japan’s most famous and iconic Buddhist temples. How Disney arranged this, we have no idea, but we have to say that they’re certainly present a unique take on the originals!
[映画]『スター・ウォーズ／フォースの覚醒』風神雷神図、京都・清水寺で初公開！ストームトルーパーも集結！ https://t.co/xDzZRfvHnD pic.twitter.com/j1ZDdMeLaI
— シネマトゥデイ (@cinematoday) November 30, 2015
▼ The iconic originals, the Wind God and Thunder God folding screens
Wikimedia Commons/Brother Sun, Sister Moon
The Star Wars screens were created by Taro Yamamoto, a Japanese artist famous for his “Nipponga” works, which often reimagine or even parody traditional Japanese art. The event was attended by Keiji Yamada, the governor of Kyoto Prefecture, and Yamamoto, as well as two Stormtroopers. We’re starting to wonder if everyone involved realized that the Stormtroopers are supposed to be the bad guys in the movie…
▼ Considering that lightsaber, we’re worried about which side the governor is on!
https://twitter.com/Subculture_News/status/671223908893261824The event also featured the talent of Seihan Mori, the abbot of Kiyomizu Temple who draws the “Kanji of the Year.” Mori wrote 覚醒 (kakusei), “awakens,” in large calligraphy as you can see displayed below. This is, obviously, the “awakens” part of the Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
RT, ChaiMETAL: 『スター・ウォーズ/フォースの覚醒』風神雷神図屏風と『覚醒』の書 #theforceawakenshttps://t.co/tULb1pO7Bl pic.twitter.com/Ldlo19DR3J #TFAStarWars #StarWars #…
— STARWARS-TFA (@TFAStarWars) November 30, 2015
The Star Wars screens will be on display at Kiyomizu Temple from December 8 to 15. Following that, the screens can be viewed at Nippon Television Tower in Shiodome from December 18 to 29.
Display Information
Kiyomizu Temple
Address: 294 Kiyomizu 1-chome, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan 605-0862
〒605-0862 京都府京都市東山区清水１丁目２９４
Phone number: 075-551-1234
Viewing period: December 8 – 15 (See website for hours.)
Website
Nippon Television Tower
Address: 1-6-1 Higashi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Japan 330-0062
〒105-7444 東京都港区東新橋１丁目６−１
Phone number: 03-6215-4444
Viewing period: December 18 – 19
Website
Resources: Cinema Today
Featured image: Twitter/@TFAStarWars
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan’s foreign tourist numbers projected to fall for first time in years in 2026
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
Is the all-you-can-eat KFC buffet in Tokyo really as good as they say it is?
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan’s foreign tourist numbers projected to fall for first time in years in 2026
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
Is the all-you-can-eat KFC buffet in Tokyo really as good as they say it is?
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
New KitKat pizzas are coming to Pizza Hut Japan
Immersive ukiyoe exhibition in Osaka adds some scented flair
McDonald’s Japan releases a Mushroom Mountain and Bamboo Shoot Village McFlurry
One Piece teaming up with 5 NCAA basketball teams
Village Vanguard’s Blue Lucky Bag may have the most impressive piece of junk ever created
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
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
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
New KitKat pizzas are coming to Pizza Hut Japan
Immersive ukiyoe exhibition in Osaka adds some scented flair
McDonald’s Japan releases a Mushroom Mountain and Bamboo Shoot Village McFlurry
One Piece teaming up with 5 NCAA basketball teams
Village Vanguard’s Blue Lucky Bag may have the most impressive piece of junk ever created
Star of Studio Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service now comes as a doll with four cute accessories
You can own Spirited Away’s cursed witch’s contract seal in real life【Photos】
Japanese vending machine sells just one thing at this station
How to make epic pancakes with your Japanese rice cooker
Foreign tourists spending at Japanese department stores dropping rapidly, study says
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
The curious case of the 7-month-old milk that tasted fine and didn’t make anyone sick
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Leave a Reply