
A giant, solid gold Star Wars calendar? Yep, and it’s just as insane as you’re imagining!
Ginza Tanaka made headlines around the world this week after revealing a one-of-a-kind solid gold Star Wars calendar commemorating the December 18 release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the newest installment of the franchise. The 2016 calendar is, according to the company, the largest gold calendar in history, with 10 kilograms (22.0462 pounds) of gold, and will cost 100,000,000 yen (about US$810,000). The whole thing, including the frame and stand, is 116 centimeters (about 3.8 feet) tall and will look completely normal stashed in a cargo hold in the Millennium Falcon.
▼ “Ostentatious” doesn’t even begin to cover it.
However, considering the current cost of gold as of this writing ($34,909 per pound), there is roughly $770,000 worth of gold in this calendar, so we do have to say that it’s actually kind of a reasonable price! And since it is a unique item, we imagine it might even grow in value…as long as future collectors don’t mind displaying an out-of-date calendar!
▼ Maybe they can get it re-engraved?
The back of the calendar also features a striking image of characters from the the upcoming movie. We couldn’t help noticing that they all appear to be from the dark side, though, which makes us wonder who exactly the target demographic for this item is…
Of course, even hardcore Star Wars fans may think twice about spending so much money on a calendar that will be out of date in 12 months. But what about something a bit smaller? Ginza Tanaka also offers one-gram (0.035-ounce) and five-gram (0.176-ounce) gold calendars that cost 15,000 yen (about $120) and 53,000 yen (around $430) respectively.
▼ The smaller calendars feature the same image on the back.
Ginza Tanaka also had a gold Darth Vader helmet on display, though it was not for sale, sadly. We can’t imagine how much it would cost, but we bet it would also look pretty awesome in a space smuggler’s cargo hold!
▼ Maybe they’ll make the rest of the suit for the next movie.
There were a number of other items on display, all of them as gloriously garish as you could possibly desire! For example, here we have a silver ear pick and silver toothpick in the shape of lightsabers.
The jewelry store also had some Star Wars-themed koban (oval gold coins used as currency in Japan during the Edo period). We doubt anyone would accept them as payment — or that anyone would even want to use these to pay for lunch — but they certainly do look cool!
The giant gold calendar will go on tour around Ginza Tanaka’s various locations in Japan, including stops in Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Shinjuku. It looks like the tour will last from now until February, so even if you buy it now, you probably won’t be able to start marking off the days until it’s out-of-date until the middle of February. But it would make for one hell of a Valentine’s Day surprise!
Reference: Ginza Tanaka
All images © RocketNews24
[ Read in Japanese ]











Life-size gold Darth Vader mask is simply dazzling… and also worth US$1.4 million! 【Pics】
Star Wars fever continues — we try out Darth Vader boots from UGG’s Star Wars Collection!
Buy this Star Wars PC featuring Darth Vader’s ugly mug, impress your nerdy friends
If Darth Vader owned an iPhone, he’d probably keep it in a stunning wooden ukiyoe Star Wars case
A Solid Gold C-3PO, Other 35th Anniversary Memorabilia for the Ultimate Star Wars Fan Boy
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Starbucks Japan releases new fireworks collection that captures the beauty of a summer festival
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Tokyo’s viral 90-yen cafe pop-up returns to Harajuku with yogurt coffee
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Japan’s favorite quasi-local curry launches convenience store version – Does it match the real deal?
Japan’s ultracompact kei car taxis are now ready for travelers to ride, if you know where to find them
We found the world’s first Yakult 1000 soft serve, and it’s hidden away in Nara
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Japanese government ID card and app to be required for certain Pokémon card purchases next month
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Evangelion beautifully reimagined as iconic classical Japanese folding screen art series [Photos]
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa