Way back in 1994 on a Bank Holiday Monday I was listening to the radio in the UK when I first heard the “May the 4th be with you” line which in the last decade or so has really taken off around the world with various Star Wars-related events taking place to mark the occasion. Japan has got in on the act in recent years and now one can expect to see some kind of event or celebration of the franchise every year.

The day does fall nicely for people living in Japan as it is in the middle of the annual Golden Week holiday which means the vast majority of people (outside of the service industry) are not at work and able to partake in any activities should they wish to do so. Mind you, there is competition from proper, more traditional holidays like Greenery Day and Children’s Day.

The Star Wars themed stuff used to be only for the big day itself but in the last few years it has expanded into a longer time period, and we now get a build-up! For 2024, it began on Friday 26th April with a couple of different places celebrating Star Wars Day. This post is all about the stuff in Yokohama, and the next one will focus on the art exhibition in Shibuya.

Yokohama is actually Japan’s second biggest city although many people just consider it an extension of Tokyo given the close proximity of it to the capital. Minatomirai is just one train stop south of Yokohama station, and within moments of exiting the ticket gate some Star Wars music could be heard, and it wasn’t even the main theme or Imperial March which are often the most prevalent ones. A lifesize R2-D2 soon came into sight which was a relief as I thought all the Star Wars stuff may have been more difficult to find.

A little further into the Mark IS Minatomirai shopping mall, and I found what is one of the main exhibits; Vader, Artoo and Yoda constructed from Lego bricks. Lego blocks and pools are available for kids to play with too.

The other side shows an image that was recently released to promote the upcoming Star Wars Celebration Japan II event next year. Marker pens are present for fans to write something on the commemorative message board. I was there a short time after the place opened so there were just a few comments on the canvas but it’ll be interesting to see (via social media) the white background disappear in inked messages of love.

Up on the fifth floor is a newly opened cinema which is set to show all nine of the Skywalker saga movies (three per day) in chronological order from May 4th till May 6th. A special certificate will be given to those who watch all of them!

Han Solo in carbonite

There was a lifesize Sith trooper statue from ‘The Rise of Skywalker‘ (2019) in the lobby as well as a clone trooper built from Lego.

Landmark Plaza shopping mall is just a few minutes walk from there, and a statue of Yoda on the 3rd floor, there is! See what I did there!!

There is a big video screen close by which will be displaying some famous scenes from the saga A light show will also take place and just a stone’s throw from there is a pop-up shop selling original goods such as t-shirts, tote bags, figures, stationery and smartphone-related products.

As I was heading off to my final destination in Yokohama I came across this Grogu photo spot.

A 20 minute walk in glorious Spring weather to Yokohama station was next and the nearby Sky Building had a ‘Star Wars: Visions‘ exhibit on the 10th floor.

Information and concept art is displayed under each of the nine short Japanese animations which were part of the two seasons of this critically acclaimed TV series.

There are a lot more Star Wars activities taking place in Minatomirai across the weekend of May the 4th itself such as decorations, photo spots, costumed characters, stamp rallies, poster exhibits, live music and lightsaber balloon distributions. With all that, it seems like this pun-based event is now firmly a part of the Golden Week festivities in Japan.

Click here to read ‘Dining Out: Black Curry Ramen & Japan’s Most Secret Toilet Guarded By A Life-Size Star Wars Character!’

Click here to read ‘The Force Was Strong At This Traditional Japanese Summer Festival In Central Tokyo’

Click here to read ‘Reflecting On 15 Years Since Star Wars Celebration Japan & Looking Ahead To The Next One In 2025!’

Click here to read ‘Feel The Force At This Hidden Pop Culture Cafe In Hiroshima’