Anticipated Star Wars Celebration Japan Panels That Spark Our Interest
Gearing Up for Star Wars Celebration Japan:
It's time to prepare for the grand event of the year, Star Wars Celebration Japan, taking place at the Makuhari Messe convention center in Chiba, Japan. In a month, the doors will open, revealing fresh news for fans residing in a galaxy far, far away.
All eyes are on the schedule released last week, offering hints about the forthcoming highlights from various Star Wars projects, video games, books, toys, and more. Despite the absence of panels on the future of Star Wars movies and the 20th anniversary of Revenge of the Sith, excitement levels are at an all-time high.
Check out these 11 exciting panels we can't wait for at Star Wars Celebration Japan:
The Mandalorian and Baby Yoda
Skip the summer 2026 movies, Star Wars fans, because our eyes are fixated on this upcoming project! Jon Favreau will be sharing exclusive insights, footage, and possibly future developments during the hour-long panel.
When: Friday, April 18 from 10-11 a.m. local time. (9-10 p.m. ET)
Lucasfilm Animation's 20th Anniversary
This panel isn't just about 20 years of unforgettable Star Wars animation; it's also a sneak peek into what's coming next. A new animated series could be on the horizon!
When: Friday, April 18 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. local time. (2:30-3:30 a.m. ET on April 19)
Bit Reactor Developer Panel featuring Respawn Entertainment and Lucasfilm Games
Nothing specific has been announced yet, but a new Star Wars turn-based tactics game from the creators of XCom and Midnight Suns? Sign us up!
When: Saturday, April 19 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. local time. (3:30-4:30 a.m. ET on April 20)
Andor: A Star Wars Story
Season two premieres just three days after this panel, ensuring an information overload on upcoming episodes, with a tiny chance of a secret screening for lucky attendees.
When: Saturday, April 19 from 10-11 a.m. local time. (9-10 p.m. ET)
Lucasfilm Publishing: Stories From a Galaxy Far, Far Away...
The latest tales from each era of the Star Wars universe will be unveiled, as well as what's next for the sprawling saga.
When: Friday, April 18 from 2-3 p.m. local time. (1-2 a.m. ET on April 19)
Ahsoka
While the panel focuses on discussing the first season, creators and showrunners aren't attending Star Wars Celebration empty-handed. Fans are hoping for tidbits about Season 2, including potential returns of beloved characters like Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker.
When: Saturday, April 19 from 1-2 p.m. local time. (12-1 a.m. ET on April 20)
First Look - Star Wars: Visions Volume 3
With recent success, the next volume of the anime anthology series is eagerly awaited. Expect exciting news and a sneak peek of the upcoming shorts!
When: Sunday, April 20 from 10-11 a.m. local time. (9-10 p.m. ET)
A Conversation with Oscar Isaac
Join Poe Dameron himself on stage for an engaging chat about his experiences as one of the galaxy's finest pilots. Let's hope he's in the mood to discuss a possible return!
When: Saturday, April 19 from 2:45-3:45 p.m. local time. (1:45-2:45 a.m. ET on April 20)
Hasbro Star Wars Panel
Known for tying fans into a frenzy, could this year's Hasbro panel again reveal upcoming toys, collectibles, and merchandise?
When: Friday, April 18 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. local time. (10:30-11:30 p.m. ET)
Light & Magic
Dive into the latest episodes of the captivating documentary series about Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) on Disney+.
When: Friday, April 18 from 1-2 p.m. local time. (12-1 a.m. ET on April 19)
Disney Experiences: Building the Galaxy with Walt Disney Imagineering
In the wake of confusion about Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, this panel promises to shed light on the ride, Disney's collaborative efforts with Lucasfilm, and an exploration into the Star Wars universe at large.
When: Sunday, April 20 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. local time. (10:30-11:30 p.m. ET)
For a complete list of major panels, click here. And for all the news from the convention, visit the official website. io9 will be on the ground in Japan, covering every moment as Star Wars unfolds live on its YouTube channel.
Stay tuned for when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. May the Force be with you!
- Despite the absence of panels on the future of Star Wars movies and the 20th anniversary of Revenge of the Sith at Star Wars Celebration Japan, excitement levels are at an all-time high, maybe due to the anticipation for new projects like The Mandalorian and Baby Yoda and Lucasfilm Animation's 20th Anniversary.
- Star Wars fans might want to skip summer 2026 movies, as the upcoming project featuring The Mandalorian and Baby Yoda is something they are fixated on, with Jon Favreau set to share exclusive insights, footage, and possibly future developments during the hour-long panel.
- While Lucasfilm Animation's 20th Anniversary panel isn't just about the past, it's also a sneak peek into what's coming next, maybe hinting at a new animated series.
- Fans attending Star Wars Celebration Japan can look forward to an hour-long panel discussing the first season of Ahsoka, creators and showrunners may also drop tidbits about Season 2, including potential returns of beloved characters like Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker.
