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.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Japanese-style afternoon tea in this Japanese manor house outside downtown Tokyo is something special
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
Tokyu Kabukicho Tower backtracks on its gender-neutral toilets, rejigging them to appease public
It’s time to say goodbye to one of Tokyo’s most famous landmark meeting spots
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Burger King Japan’s crazy patty-only menu item: Depressing, delicious, or both?【Taste test】
Japan is full of ghosts: Visiting the grave of Taira no Masakado’s head
Stunning Japanese restaurant is like eating in a samurai residence
Weekly
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan- Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Final version of Sanrio: Beginning of Kawaii exhibition opens in Tokyo[Photos]
Japan has new rules for bicycle riders, and these 14 things could get you a fine or a court date
Monthly
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events- Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]- Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
- Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday- Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Yearly
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
It’s time to say goodbye to one of Tokyo’s most famous landmark meeting spots
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Burger King Japan’s crazy patty-only menu item: Depressing, delicious, or both?【Taste test】
Japan is full of ghosts: Visiting the grave of Taira no Masakado’s head
Stunning Japanese restaurant is like eating in a samurai residence
Crow surprises Japanese commuters by attempting to buy train ticket from a machine【Video】
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Mr. Sato hits the streets to show off his new cardboard fashion!
Japanese restaurant combines solo shabu shabu dining with the fun of a sushi train
Japan’s Mos Burger discontinues old teriyaki burger and rolls out new recipe, but is it as good?
Ramen chain gives you the full Ichiran experience at home with a build-it-yourself private booth
We zapped up some tasty hot sandwiches in the microwave with 3COINS’ new gadget from Japan
Which Japanese conveyor belt sushi chain has the best salmon sushi?【Taste test】
-
