Japan’s rabbits, frogs and monkeys from a long, long time ago are collecting goodies from a galaxy far, far away.
Products from the Star Wars universe truthfully don’t need any sort of promotion or crafty sales pitch to get sold, usually you can just slap the Star Wars font on merchandise and watch the products fly off the shelves.
Even so, there was a sales clerk at Hokkaido University who decided to put some pizzazz into a Star Wars display using characters from Choju-Jibutsu-Giga. Better known as Choju-Giga, these scrolls are hundreds of years old and depicts frogs, rabbits and monkeys playing together; often it is classified as Japan’s oldest known manga.
These same animals are now lounging about at a Hokkaido University co-op store, where they were beautifully drawn by their talented employee. If you look closely, there is evidence of careful brush use which gives rise to the distinct thick and thin lines that Choju-Giga is known for. Whoever it was, they’ve clearly been practicing the art form a lot.
[tweet https://twitter.com/hokubucoop/status/671883861719052289 align=center]The detailed art isn’t the only fun aspect of the drawings though. What may seem like normal but beautifully written hiragana characters is actually conversations and comments about Star Wars and chocolate.
[tweet https://twitter.com/lmtr_yrs/status/672678575074508800 align=center]▼ “They’re doing the chocolate eggs with things inside.” “What, really?!” “Let’s go!”
“I’ve got a case.”
“Chocolate is delicious.”
“I got a good one.” “Which one?”
▼ “Trade me Chewbacca.” “No way”
“Henceforth, you shall be known as Darth Vader.”
“Use the Force. Feel it.”
“Hooray, I collected them all!”
The whole display is a mastery of art and one of our favorite movies. Japanese culture and traditions have a long history with the Star Wars universe, so it’s interesting to see the reverse happening, a little bit of Star Wars influence on Japanese traditions.
Source: grape
Top Image: Twitter/hokubucoop
Gachapon toys for Japan’s “first manga,” Scrolls of Frolicking Animals, to be available next year
World’s oldest manga is now a bra thanks to Japanese lingerie maker’s art history series【Photos】
Hello Kitty becomes part of Japan’s oldest manga with new line of accessories
Hello Kitty x Choju Giga “Frolicking Animals” dishware based on the world’s oldest manga is here
Studio Ghibli releases second short adaptation of Japan’s oldest manga【Video】
Beautiful exclusive Totoro tenugui towel is a gift from Disney to Ghibli physical media buyers
Brand new Shinkansen bullet train unveiled in Japan… but it won’t carry passengers
Sanrio eco-friendly plushies are here for the earth-conscious lovers of all things kawaii
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
Taco sandwiches appear in Japan with new Lunch Pack sandwich pocket flavor[Taste test]
Japan’s “edible fireworks” wagashi sweets return, but only for a limited time [Photos]
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
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
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
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
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
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
Traditional Chinese art mixes with Star Wars characters to celebrate the New Year
One Piece, Star Wars and other characters come to life with mind-bending art within art 【Photos】
Disney launches cute, chubby line of Tsum Tsum Star Wars characters in Japan 【Photos】
Popular Star Wars characters interpreted as ice cream flavors by Baskin Robbins
Korean artist stuns with 3-hour Star Wars illustration merging the Force and feudal Japan【Video】