Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025: Day 1 Highlights and Major Reveals

The Force has returned to Japan—louder, brighter, and bolder than ever. For the first time since 2008, Star Wars Celebration has landed on Japanese soil, transforming the Makuhari Messe convention center in Chiba into a galactic nexus from April 18–20, 2025. Whether you’re a Jedi Master, bounty hunter, or droid enthusiast, this year’s Celebration promises a storm of announcements that will redefine the future of the franchise.

Curious what went down on Day 1? Strap in—here’s everything you need to know from April 18, 2025, the thrilling opening salvo of Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025.

The Mandalorian & Grogu Movie Panel: Star Wars Returns to the Big Screen

One of the biggest shocks—and joys—of the day was the highly anticipated panel for The Mandalorian & Grogu. Scheduled for a May 22, 2026 theatrical release, this marks the first Star Wars film to hit theaters since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019.

Key Details From the Panel:

• Jon Favreau (director/writer) and Dave Filoni (writer, Lucasfilm CCO) gave fans a passionate, behind-the-scenes look at how this movie came to life.
• The duo emphasized their mission to deliver “a cinematic evolution” of the Disney+ hit series The Mandalorian, now starring Grogu in a leading role.
• Special guests were teased—fans hoped for Pedro Pascal (Din Djarin) and possibly Sigourney Weaver, who mysteriously appeared on Good Morning America the day prior.

“This is the way—back to theaters,” said Favreau, fueling speculation that exclusive footage was shared with the crowd. No public footage has surfaced yet, but early reactions online are glowing.

Read more on the official Star Wars site.

Bit Reactor’s Turn-Based Tactics Star Wars Game: A Bold New Frontier

Bit Reactor, in collaboration with Respawn Entertainment and Lucasfilm Games, dropped a game-changing announcement: a turn-based tactics Star Wars game is in development.

Why It Matters:

• This is the first major strategy-style Star Wars title, diverging from action-centric experiences like Jedi: Survivor.
• Bit Reactor, led by veterans from XCOM and Civilization, promises deep tactical gameplay, potentially blending large-scale battles with personalized storytelling.
• This move signals a strategic expansion into genres previously untapped in Star Wars gaming.

For more details on the dev team and project, visit Bit Reactor’s official site.

Lucasfilm Animation’s 20-Year Celebration: Honoring a Legacy

Animation took center stage next with a heartwarming tribute to 20 years of Lucasfilm Animation, celebrating the groundbreaking artistry behind The Clone Wars, Rebels, and more.

Highlights:

• A full screening of The Siege of Mandalore arc captivated audiences, reminding fans why The Clone Wars remains a landmark in Star Wars canon.
• Executive producers and animators offered exclusive behind-the-scenes commentary and teased what’s next for Star Wars animation.

“From Ahsoka’s birth to the fall of Mandalore, these stories shaped a generation,” said one panelist.

Animation fans can revisit the classics now streaming on Disney+.

Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 — The Anime Force Awakens

The galaxy’s most visually daring series returns. The panel for Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 introduced Japanese animation studios leading the new wave of galactic storytelling.

What Was Revealed:

• All entries in Volume 3 are produced by Japanese studios, building on the anime roots established in Volume 1.
• Several returning creators from previous volumes shared concept art, early footage, and talked about honoring samurai storytelling within the Star Wars mythos.
• New studios brought a fresh lens—expect new Force powers, never-before-seen Jedi, and dark experimental shorts.

“This is Star Wars through the eyes of Japan—and it’s breathtaking,” one fan posted live from the event.

Discover past Visions volumes on StarWars.com.

The Deep Connection: Japan & Star Wars

One of the most heartfelt parts of Day 1 came through panels dedicated to the cultural bond between Japan and Star Wars, going all the way back to Akira Kurosawa’s influence on A New Hope.

Cultural Panels Featured:

• Lucasfilm Publishing: Manga Mania! – Explored Star Wars manga past and future, with artwork reveals and creator Q&As.
• Telling Stories Across Cultures – Discussed how Japanese history, Shinto mythology, and cinematic traditions shaped George Lucas’ vision.
• Japanese Collectibles Panels – Exhibits of rare keshi gomu, vintage die-cast toys, and ultra-rare vinyl capes Vader stunned collectors.

Fans were moved by how “Star Wars isn’t just inspired by Japan—it’s part of its creative DNA.”

Browse the full schedule of panels on the official Celebration website.

Cosplay Showcase: The Fans Strike Back

Lightsabers clashed, droids rolled, and capes swirled at the Cosplay Showcase, where fans brought their A-game.

• Veterans and first-timers alike showed off hours—sometimes months—of dedication to character design.
• Jaw-dropping costumes included screen-accurate Mandalorians, custom Sith Lords, and one stunning Queen Amidala recreation.

📸 Follow #SWCJapan2025 on Instagram for more incredible cosplay.

TV Series Teasers: What’s Coming Next on Disney+

While most TV panels are slated for Day 2 and 3, we already got some juicy teasers:

• Ahsoka Season 2 will feature Hayden Christensen, rumored to return in Anakin’s ghostly form.
• Andor Season 2 updates are expected to drop this weekend, continuing the gritty spy saga.
• Filoni teased surprises related to The Book of Boba Fett and The Mandalorian Season 4.

“If you thought you knew where the timeline was heading—think again,” Filoni quipped during his segment.

Bookmark the Star Wars NewsNet for daily updates.

Disney Parks Panel: Bringing the Galaxy to Earth

Walt Disney Imagineering unveiled their vision for Star Wars attractions across the globe. Panelists showcased:

• Expansions for Galaxy’s Edge in California and Florida.
• Early concepts for immersive Star Wars hotels in Asia.
• A teaser for a high-speed speeder ride that may debut in Tokyo Disney Resort.

Learn more at the Disney Parks Blog.

Star Wars Celebration LIVE! — Watch It All From Home

Couldn’t make it to Japan? No worries. Star Wars Celebration LIVE! is beaming the event across the galaxy via YouTube.

• Broadcast began April 17 at 10 PM ET / April 18 at 10 AM JST
• Features daily highlights, celebrity interviews, and behind-the-scenes looks.

📺 “It’s like being in the front row—even from the couch.”

Subscribe for replays and future coverage.

What’s Next: The Celebration Continues

Day 2 and Day 3 promise even more galactic goodies, including:

• Full trailers for new shows
• Publishing reveals
• Surprises in the theatrical timeline
• Maybe even a few unannounced projects…

Check out Bleeding Cool’s panel preview and get your holocron ready—because we’re just getting started.

May the Force guide your clicks.
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s deep dive into all the action from Day 2 of Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025.