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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!

▼ The iconic originals, the Wind God and Thunder God folding screens

800px-Fujinraijin-tawarayaWikimedia 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/671223908893261824

The 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.

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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