Star Wars Celebration Offers Admiral Ackbar-Inspired Octopus Balls for Sale
Star Wars Celebration Gets a Taste of Japan
Step aside, galaxy far, far away, because Star Wars Celebration is making a landing in Japan this year! Not only is the new location a thrilling change, but the event is also bringing a food hall serving up "unique, genuine Japanese dishes," enticing fans even more.
Lucasfilm unveiled the tantalizing menu on a Friday, showcasing delectable offerings from all three film trilogies and The Mandalorian. original Star Wars buffs can indulge in "It's a Trap!" Takoyaki, Wookiee Yakisoba noodles, and Light and Dark onigiri balls. Meanwhile, prequel devotees can savor Forbidden Love onigiri balls, Jar Jar Men noodles, or beverages inspired by Obi-Wan, Mace Windu, and Yoda. Sequel enthusiasts can quench their thirst with Rey and Kylo Ren-themed soda and iced coffee. And let's not forget the tastes in-between like chicken for Grogu, droids on Monaka wafers, and Tatooine-inspired warabi-mochi. Get a glimpse of the complete menu below, priced from 800 yen ($5.50) to 1,200 yen ($8.25).
For the very first time, Star Wars Celebration is hosting a food hall, making it fitting for Lucasfilm to salute Japanese cuisine. Star Wars has stood tremendously influenced by Japan, and it appears the franchise is still recognized for its cultural impact. Most recently, Star Wars Visions, which features anime shorts from Japanese studios, has reintroduced Japan to the Star Wars family. In 2023, Takashi Yamazaki, director of Godzilla Minus One and a Star Wars fan, expressed his eagerness to helm a film for Lucasfilm. Although it's uncertain if this would come true, it shows Lucasfilm's growing interest in Japanese creatives and the significance of Japan in the Star Wars legacy.
Star Wars Celebration Japan takes place from April 18-20, 2023.
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Hidden Gems:
While specifics about the Star Wars Celebration food hall are scarce, it's no secret that themed food and beverages are a crucial part of the event. Inspired by this, here are a few potential Japanese-inspired dishes fitting the Star Wars theme:
- Tatooine Sunsets (Temaki Rolls) - symbolize the twin suns of Tatooine with orange or yellow ingredients like carrot and ginger.
- Darth Vader Bento Box - commemorate the dark side with dark-themed bento boxes featuring black rice, tempura bits, or dark-colored sauces.
- Jabba's Jiggle Jelly (Mochi Dessert) - pay tribute to Jabba's exotic lifeforms with mochi desserts boasting vibrant fillings.
- R2-D2 Sushi Balls - mimic the iconic droid's shape with small sushi balls filled with various ingredients.
- Chewbacca's Forest Delight - celebrate Wookiee's bond with nature through dishes featuring forest ingredients like mushrooms, green vegetables, and sesame seeds.
These ideas embody the spirit of meshing Star Wars and Japanese cuisine, even if specific event menus are yet to be confirmed.
- The upcoming Star Wars Celebration promises an exciting blend of technology and the future, with a taste of Japan's culture, even extending to themed food offerings like Tatooine Sunsets (Temaki Rolls) and R2-D2 Sushi Balls.
- The anticipated Star Wars Celebration Japan menu includes delectable items from various trilogies and The Mandalorian, moving towards future culinary endeavors such as Darth Vader Bento Boxes and Jabba's Jiggle Jelly (Mochi Desserts).
- The food hall at Star Wars Celebration Japan will offer in-betweens like chicken for Grogu, droids on Monaka wafers, and Tatooine-inspired warabi-mochi, adding flavors to the event that yet hint at more exciting collaborations in the future.
- As Star Wars Celebration Japan unfolds, attendees can expect an exciting trilogy of experiences, from immersive panel discussions to stories of Japan's cultural influence in the Star Wars universe, up to explorations of new gastronomic frontiers.
