Don’t sleep on these 5 things at Star Wars Celebration Japan
The announcements have been coming thick and fast for Celebration Japan. Panels, exclusives exhibitors, merchandise…so much to see, do, pick up and consider. Here’s five things that got me excited that you might have missed…
1. Unveiling of a New Turn-Based Strategy Game
There have been some absolute banger Star Wars games going back years. If you grew up a Star Wars fan in the 90s like me you might have fond memories of Dark Forces, Rebel Assault, or X-Wing. Then came Force Unleashed, and the Battlefront gmaes right up to Battlefront 2 which still has a loyal player base. Most recently we’ve been treated to Jedi Fallen Order, Jedi Survivor and Star Wars Outlaws which have offered amazing experiences.
As a bit of a gamer, fan of strategy games, and having enjoyed Star Wars games since the 90s, I was disproportionately excited to see the developer panel with Bit Reactor, featuring Respawn Entertainment and Lucasfilm Games on the Saturday of Celebration at 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. This panel is anticipated to introduce a brand-new Star Wars turn based strategy game. The genre that has given us the Civilisation, Total War and XCOM games, blended with Star Wars could create something unbelievably epic. I am hoping for info on the game mechanics, any story line and characters, and possibly a first look at gameplay. If you like gaming then keep a close eye on this one.
2. A chrome Mando and a Ronin
Figure collectors have a lot to look forward to in Japan, much more than at London Celebration. Among some exclusives from Medicom is an unreal MAFEX figure of The Mandalorian in what looks like a stunning chrome-effect Beskar Armor. The highly detailed figure captures Din Djarin’s iconic look, complete with accessories like the Darksaber and Grogu. Available exclusively at Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 at the MAFEX booth, this will be in demand I’m sure.
While there are other exclusive figures from MAFEX that look great, the other figure that stands out for me by a country mile is the Hasbro Black Series Ronin and R5-D56 two-pack. The Ronin and his droid are the stand out characters from the episode ‘The Duel’ from Visions series one. While I am not a huge fan of Visions, this episode’s animation style, story, and the Ronin character really stuck with me. The Ronin and his Droid are also undeniably in keeping with Japanese culture. Their design, colourway and packaging (single-language Japenese) are so unique and I can’t wait to see it in person and hope to scoop one.
3. Pins galore
Pin trading has become a cherished tradition at Star Wars Celebrations, and 2025’s lineup of pins is a feast for the eyes, but a challenge for the mind to boggle! The official show store pins feature various characters including from A New Hope, Revenge of the Sith, and the Ahsoka series. For me, the pins from the Acolyte and the mystery two-pack’s Ronin, Boba Fett and Palpatine catch my eye.
I am also quite hyped to see that FigPin are bringing some highly limited offerings of /250 and /500 pins including of Darth Maul, Ahsoka and Greedo, as well as some mystery mini boxes and some FigPin Quest’s which are blind boxes, including an Anakin / Vader with 3 variants. I don’t have any FigPins but the Anakin/Vader and Greedo may be an unlikely but alluring pairing to lead me to my first pick ups!
Pins aren’t just collectibles, they’re also a fun way to engage with other fans. If you are new to pins I highly recommend stopping by the Show Store, FigPin booth, or other booth’s offering sponsored or exclusive pins (which are not all announced yet) early to snag your favorites and get trading!
4. Hot Toys Exclusive Figures and Pre-Sales
Hot Toys is known for producing incredibly detailed Star Wars figures, among other brands, and while absent in London 2023 Celebration Japan will see Hot Toys bring 18 exclusives to the table including pre-sales. While they have all not yet been revealed, they include an impressive 1/1 scale Grogu and a limited edition Galen Erso which will both cost in the hundreds of dollars or pounds. However if you're on a budget, there are also affordable options being announced such as exclusive pre-sale bobble-head cosbabies (including Neel), cosbaby baloon series, and some talking plushes! Keep an eye on Hot Toys’ announcements for lots more reveals as they announce the full 18 in the next couple of weeks. While some of the reveals are a bit inexplicable (plastic lollies anyone?), its great to see Hot Toys getting in on the hype.
5. Meet Nubz, the Adorable New Star Wars Character
For those travelling with young children, Celebration may be a bit bewildering and exhausting for the little ones. However, for fans of Young Jedi Adventures there is a chance get them really excited with an exclusive meet and greet with Nubz, the blue-furred Jedi youngling from the show. Nubz will be appearing for meet and greets from 12:00-12:30pm and 2:00-2:30pm each day. This could be a must-do for families with fans of Young Jedi Adventures, and anyone who has fallen in love with the pint-sized hero, but it doesn’t look like he is going to hang about for very long! Be sure to check the event schedule, particularly when the app is released, so you don’t miss your chance.
There is so much else going on that I can’t wait to do and see, but I hope these five things are now firmly on your radar if they werent already. Eyes peeled for the final announcements over the next fortnight or so!
MTFBWY
