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.


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Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
“Deflowering” services for virgin women are now a thing in Japan, apparently
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
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