There’s always been a strong connection between Japan and the George Lucas-helmed Star Wars franchise. From the samurai-influenced Darth Vader and Stormtrooper costume designs through to the film’s storyline, which borrows heavily from Akira Kurosawa’s 1958 film Hidden Fortress, Lucas himself is the first to admit he owes a lot of his creative inspiration to the Land of the Rising Sun.
So it’s nice to see that Japan is reciprocating the love with a number of Star Wars creations of their own. From samurai-styled figurines to ukiyo-e woodblock prints, these Japanese-styled homages to the epic American film franchise are the perfect way to get ready for the December 18 release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. And now you can carry the force wherever you go, with a gorgeous wooden iPhone 6 case that’s so beautiful even a Sith Lord would stand in line to buy one.
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan’s Poképark Kanto Pokémon theme park area shows first attraction photos
New KitKat pizzas are coming to Pizza Hut Japan
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Fewer ramen restaurants declare bankruptcy in Japan for first time in several years
Village Vanguard’s Blue Lucky Bag may have the most impressive piece of junk ever created
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Taste of spring coming this winter with sakura flower and leaf green tea and matcha from Ito En
Japanese family lives and works in a milk carton house in Hiroshima
This is what a million yen of lottery tickets looks like, and a secret that’ll make us rich【Pics】
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
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】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
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】
Village Vanguard’s Blue Lucky Bag may have the most impressive piece of junk ever created
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Taste of spring coming this winter with sakura flower and leaf green tea and matcha from Ito En
Japanese family lives and works in a milk carton house in Hiroshima
This is what a million yen of lottery tickets looks like, and a secret that’ll make us rich【Pics】
These creative, fanciful post boxes from Japan will delight you in so many ways【Photos】
We dare Tokyo’s pigeons to crap on us because we think it’ll make us rich【Experiment】
New Japanese KitKats combine mint, peach and rum for a summertime taste sensation
The 5 best Japanese bento to buy at Kyoto Station
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Is the all-you-can-eat KFC buffet in Tokyo really as good as they say it is?
Tokyo sex industry worker arrested for saying she needed tuition money, spending it on hosts
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】