Star Wars Celebration Japan updates

The last fortnight has been big for Celebration Japan updates. We’ve had some key announcements through the official channels, as well as some important changes of policy and process that the community has discovered via emails to customer services. Here’s your overview…

Final Guests

Probably the biggest deal has been the reveal that the last two guests announced (Hayden Christensen and Vanessa Marshall) are the final autograph guests. This was initially met with a bit of disappointment online. Its fun to anticipate new guests, and the Japan lineup totals 16 which is significantly fewer than London 2023 which had around 40.

That said, this is a really healthy number for a Tokyo con, and a country and venue that is harder to reach and logistically organise for guests from around the world. The lineup includes some brilliant first timers like Doug Chiang and Oscar Issac, which make this special, as well as big names like Hayden, Diego Luna, Rosario Dawson and Anthony Daniels. I can’t wait to meet Ahmed Best and Temeura Morrison personally, and hoping for walk-ups with Sam Witwer and Manny Jacinto among others.

My wallet and my schedule is actually quite relieved, there’s plenty to get excited about, and I won’t be worried about spending too much time in queues!

Exchanges are now available

Policy on Epic’s site where autographs and photographs are purchased has been a bit confusing this time round. Fans were expecting it to be possible to exchange purchased autos or photos for other guests as they were announced, as is usually the case. However this time a big notice saying all sales are final was added to the site.

After weeks of exchanges unexpectedly not being possible, unless you emailed customer service and got lucky, the in-cart exchange function has now been restored. This change of policy has not been announced, and the logic is not clear, however it’s good news and worth baring in mind. It gives back the flexibility many fans were missing. Which may have also slowed sales prior to now.

Panels to be first come first serve

Guaranteed spots at panels are usually distributed via a lottery system, if you dont have a Jedi Master badge. Each passholder can normally enter a draw for the panels they would like to attend and then hope to get lucky when the results are announced.

This year however details have emerged via customer emails that panel slots will be available on a first come first served basis online. At a time yet to be announced, there will be an online queue system (similar to getting event tickets), where those lucky enough to get in early will be able to select panels to book.

There are upsides and downsides to this over a lottery. Its worth baring in mind that if you are hoping to attend panels with other friends or family there will be some coordination needed on the day of release as this will all be done individually. If your tickets are still all held by one person it may be possible to do this through one person. This is unlike previous years where lotteries could be entered in groups to ensure you could stay together.

Pins have landed

The first Road to Celebration pins have been announced! There are three nice character sets, one OT, one PT and one Mandoverse, but the highlight are 5 select pins of the badge art which come with a display easel. These badge art pins are quite special and will likely be in demand, depicting the distinctly Japanese style of the badge art. Very unique!

The pins will be available to ticket holders from 25th February 5pm PST. Expect more Road to Celebration pins in the coming weeks, and grab them if you want them, you won’t be able to get them at Celebration itself!

Art show is epic

Finally, the Art Show has been announced. This is a select showcase of work by artists which have been chosen by Lucasfilm. This year has some brilliant pieces from artists across the world, and some great Japanese inspired work. I love the “Anakin’s path” piece by Tsuneo Sanda, but there really is something for everyone.

Each print is limited to 250 pieces, 200 will be available for pre-order from 5th March at 6pm PT, 50 pieces and whatever doesn’t sell out online will then be available to pick up at Celebration. Don’t sleep!

All aboard the hype train, Celebration approaches!

MTFBWY