There was a time not that long ago when the only Star Wars products unique to Japan seemed to be the range of various lightsaber chopsticks and tenugui decorative towels but in recent times that has changed a fair amount with the franchise cashing in on the distinctive appeal of Japanese products. They’ve certainly been on the increase these last few years and that all came to a crescendo at the Star Wars Celebration Japan event back in April.

Since then there have been three Star Wars pop-up stores (that I’m aware of!) in Tokyo. The ‘Star Wars Galaxy in Shibuya’ exhibition in May was really good with a nice layout, and the one at Tokyu Plaza Ginza has become something of a regular occurrence in recent years which is always worth visiting. This most recent shop at Isetan Shinjuku though was far more limited with just a five day running span in mid-September.

The chance to see some life-size statues of iconic characters is an opportunity for the visitors to have an experience that goes beyond just shopping. Even though I’ve seen them countless times now I still get excited by such a sight.

The multi-generational appeal of Grogu can never be discounted and fans of all ages seem to be mesmerised by the “the cutest in the galaxy” meaning that there are many goods featuring him such as stationery, clothing, blue macaron cookies, accessories and of course figurines and various dolls.

The sukajan (Japanese souvenir jackets) with embroidered motifs are always interesting to look at not that I can imagine myself ever wearing one. The high cost of them certainly puts pay to any idea I ever have of splashing out on one!

More appealing to me were some of the outrageous print design shirts but it’s not like I’d ever find much of an opportunity to wear it.

Something I do wear very often are Star Wars t-shirts, and with an ever-growing collection in my wardrobe I can’t resist looking at the dozens and dozens of designs on sale. There is even a thing these days where you can pay 3000 yen for a mystery t-shirt which could be one of about 40 designs. Too much of a gamble for my liking!

One of the things I was excited to see for the first time (I just never saw them at Celebration Japan!) was the Star Wars vending machine containing eight label can designs which are randomly dispensed. I wouldn’t usually spend 800 yen on a can as it’s a ridiculous amount but as I wasn’t buying anything else I wanted something to take home. My can of oolong tea was an Obi-Wan Kenobi (or should that be CANobi?!) one. How did it taste? I’ve no idea as I never got to try it as my wife drank it whilst I was at the final day of the World Athletics Championships!

Instead of compiling a very long list of the products being sold, the easier option would be to say what wasn’t available! The amount of things with a Star Wars logo-of-sorts on it really is quite uncountable these days and it’s difficult to do it all justice in this post.

It should also be noted that both the Shinjuku and Ginza pop-up shops were divided into two sections with the other one devoted to Marvel. As ever there were some hugely expensive busts, dioramas and figures for both franchises.

One appealing thing about these pop-up stores for many is the range of limited edition collectibles and unique themed products which are not usually available in regular shops. This consequently increases the demand and sense of urgency to get such products which is often noticable in Japan with so many customers filling their shopping baskets with stuff whilst seemingly not caring too much about the price!

I do my best to not buy much these days and instead just enjoy the opportunity to gather  and feel part of the larger community whilst sometimes getting to share the passion for the franchise with other fans. I loved the classic-style tea-cups with elaborately decorated designs on them fusing characters and Japanese art styles.

Far less sophisticated in appearance and style were some backpacks but still I really liked them for their colourful appearance.

Something I’ve never seen before are men’s grooming products emblazoned with various legacy characters. As I basically said before, there are very few goods nowadays which haven’t had some kind of Star Wars promotional makeover at some time or other!

A few companies producing a range of products with Star Wars tie-ins or people creating original artwork are able to sell or promote their stuff to a bigger audience than usual thanks to the large number of visitors attracted by such pop-ups.

If there isn’t another Star Wars pop-up store in Tokyo or Yokohama before the end of the year then I’ll be surprised. 2026 sees the long awaited return of the sci-fi saga being back in cinemas with the release of ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu‘ movie, and so the journey towards that will surely begin with the promotion of many new products, as well as other innovative marketing strategies which will bring new and old fans together to immerse themselves in the fictional universe created by George Lucas. It will also give something for YouTubers, bloggers and influencers to showcase on their platforms of choice too!

Click here to read ‘This Year’s “May The 4th Be With You” Festivities In Tokyo Were The Best Yet!’

Click here to read ‘Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 Day 1: Ryan Gosling ‘& Sigourney Weaver Up Close, Animation & 90s Panels, Cuteness Overload, Cosplayers & Meeting A Fan Favourite’

Click here to read ‘Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 Day 2: The Ridiculously Long Wait For Merchandise, A Trio of Entertaining Panels & Meeting Some Fan Community Favourites’

Click here to read ‘Star Wars Sparks Joy At This Christmas Event Just Outside of Tokyo’

Click here to read ‘The Countdown To Star Wars Day 2024 Has Begun With 11 Days of Festivities In Japan’s 2nd Biggest City’