It’s like they knew exactly which beloved characters were missing in our hearts and our collections.
Boba Fett
When you are kicking back in the theater on December 18 with a big bag of popcorn in one hand and a tall drink in the other, there’s only one thing you’ll be missing: appropriately themed cup clingers that will level up your movie game from Padawan to a Jedi Knight.
Ever since we heard about the upcoming release of the new Samurai Darth Vader figurine, we’ve been eager to check out the Movie Realisation Series in person. The series includes Boba Fett, Stormtroopers and the Imperial Royal Guard, all dressed as Japanese feudal warriors and brandishing a mix of Japanese, western, and Star Wars-styled weapons.
We’d seen the photos and read the rave reviews but nothing could prepare us for meeting the unique cast of collectibles in person. Come with us as we take you through all the details and close-up photos from our visit!
A short time ago, in a country far, far away, a group of creatives at legendary toy-making company Bandai decided to fill a void in the figurine universe with a fearsome new character: Samurai Darth Vader.
The new model on the market is set to feature some awesome details, including a Death Star warrior helmet, a lightsaber blade and a pose-able hand for playing out those extreme death-grip scenarios.
Available at the end of December, this new incarnation of the Dark Lord is the latest in a lineup that also includes Samurai Storm Troopers and Samurai Boba Fett.




Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Village Vanguard’s Blue Lucky Bag may have the most impressive piece of junk ever created
Japan’s Poképark Kanto Pokémon theme park area shows first attraction photos
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Origami folded by gyaru – The first capsule toy it’s impossible to get a complete set of【Photos】
World famous shadow artist shines a light on Tohoku relief【Art】
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
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
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Japan’s Poképark Kanto Pokémon theme park area shows first attraction photos
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Origami folded by gyaru – The first capsule toy it’s impossible to get a complete set of【Photos】
World famous shadow artist shines a light on Tohoku relief【Art】
Tokyo has a brand new Harry Potter shop with its own butterbeer bar – Let’s see what’s inside【Pics】
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Giant Clodsire Pokémon plushie comes with up to 32 Woopers in super size, super cute set【Pics】
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Snoopy Museum scheduled to open in Tokyo’s Roppongi
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】
Private booths are coming to Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains even sooner than we’d thought【Video】
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent