The Star Wars movies are strongly and directly influenced by samurai movies. Not just the swordfighting either. The name "Jedi" (from jedaigeki), the kimono-like robes, Obi-wan the old master, R2D2 and C3P0 from Hidden Fortress, and so on.
I wondered if Japanese audiences are aware of these connections and what they think of them. (I thought I'd reach more Japanese by listing this question here, rather than in the movies section.)
2006-08-19 05:13:11 · 5 answers · asked by mistersato 5 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Japan
Star Wars is extremely popular in Japan. I bought a Star War Factbook, when I was there, that contains an extreme amount of detail into all the characters, creatures, vehicles, machinery, etc. You name it, it's in the book (Episodes 1, 4, 5 and 6). The thing is that I thought it was in English, but it's in Japanese. That shows that there are people out there who really care about all the little tidbits of info.
The thing is, the series came to Japan at a time where American movies were lacking to Japanese movies (at least in their minds). This was also likely an inspiration for many filmmakers in Japan, so it definitely is popular.
2006-08-19 12:12:58 · answer #1 · answered by Thardus 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Although I have never seen the movies, the Star Wars movies are very popular in Japan. I did not know that the movies are influenced by samurai movies, and I am sure that most Japanese do not know this fact either.
Yes, your posting made me want to see all episodes of Star Wars! Thank you for the valuable information!
2006-08-19 22:48:55 · answer #2 · answered by Nanako 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Japanese folks love Star Wars. It's incredibly popular. A lot of Japanese only star wars merchandise exists including a comic series and animation. People do understand the connection with japanese themes as well.
2006-08-19 05:49:03 · answer #3 · answered by xcornmuffinx 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the widely known fact in Japan that George Lucas and Steven Spielberg highly admire Akira Kurosawa and Kurosawa's works have influenced them.
But I've never be aware of those you mentioned. I don't like Star Wars though.(^_^;)
I found the below in Wekipedia.
Lucas credits his friend John Milius with introducing him to the films of Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, whose works (particularly Seven Samurai and The Hidden Fortress) inspired the Star Wars films.
2006-08-19 17:46:44 · answer #4 · answered by Black Dog 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It was good, but not the best movie ever.
2006-08-19 08:57:19 · answer #5 · answered by Japan_is_home 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋