Tomoyuki Morikawa makes a triumphant return to Yokohama where he saw Star Wars for the first time: “I’m overwhelmed with emotion” | ORICON NEWS

On the 26th, voice actor Tomoyuki Morikawa and comedy duo Miki Subo and Ao attended the opening ceremony of “STAR WARS DAY YOKOHAMA MINATOMIRAI 2024”, which starts from this day in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai area.

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Morikawa, who is the voice actor for the Japanese version of Obi-Wan Kenobi played by Ewan McGregor in the movie “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (Episode 1)” (1999), brought his own items and one prepared by the event. Appears with a lightsaber in both hands. Regarding his first encounter with Star Wars, he said, “I saw Episode 4 when I was in the 6th grade of elementary school.My hometown is Yokohama, and I have fond memories of seeing it at a movie theater in Kannai.I’m overwhelmed with emotion just to be standing here today.” They expressed their joy by waving their hands.

The event was established on May the 4th, in honor of the famous line from the Star Wars series, “May the Force be with you.” The event will run until May 6th on Star Wars Day, a day when fans around the world celebrate Star Wars culture. At Landmark Plaza, MARK IS Minato Mirai, Sky Building, Yokohama City Hall, Grand Mall Park, and around Sakuragicho Station, you can enjoy a variety of events, exhibits, and shopping where you can experience Star Wars.

At Sakata no Seed Garden Square on the 1st floor of Landmark Plaza, which was the venue for the opening ceremony, a lighting show will be held during the event period where you can enjoy famous scenes and music from the Star Wars series. Morikawa, who witnessed the unveiling of the show, encouraged people to come, saying, “I was moved and humbled.I definitely want you to see it.Maybe you can bring your lightsaber.” The lighting show will be held every hour on the hour (00 minutes) and every 30 minutes from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm every day during the period.

There are a lot of topics related to Star Wars, not just during Golden Week this year. “The Phantom Menace”, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary since its theatrical release, will be shown in 4K (super subtitled version) for the first time in theaters (25 theaters nationwide, limited to 4 days from May 3rd to May 6th). Tickets for Star Wars Celebration, which will be held in Japan for the first time in 17 years next year, are now on sale (from May 3rd). The drama series “Acolyte,” which takes place 100 years before “The Phantom Menace,” will be distributed simultaneously in Japan and the United States on the video distribution service “Disney+” from June 5th.

Morikawa said, “I have to get a ticket (for the Celebration).’Acolyte’ is set in what is said to be the golden age of the Jedi.Episode 1 is not about seeing how things came to be. I feel so excited. I want to hold on to my ticket, flash my lightsaber, and enjoy watching the series over the next year,” he said, full of his love for Star Wars.