The Art of Star Wars exhibition in Japan opened at the Fukushima Museum of Art and the Aizu Prefecture Museum on July 3, 2004. For the first time the exhibition was shared between two prestigious museums. While the Fukushima venue hosted film props, art and costumes from Episode IV, V and VI, the Aizu venue hosted film props, art and costumes from the prequels Episodes I and II.

On hand for the press events, the opening ribbon cutting ceremony and the reception were none other than actor Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Star Wars concept artist Iain McCaig, Lucasfilm programs director Kathleen Holliday and Lucasfilm collections manager Laela French. Numerous national television, radio and print media members covered the event; which included an exclusive eight-page newspaper insert combining photos from the exhibition as well as comments from various community members. Guests came from as far away as Tokyo and Kyoto.

The Fukushima/Aizu exhibition will be open until September 26. The exhibition then opens on October 10 at the sixth and final venue -- the Maritime Museum in Osaka, Japan.

Tentative dates and venues for the exhibition are:

Fukushima Art Museum and Aizu Prefecture Museum - Aizu
July 3 - September 26, 2004

Osaka Maritime Museum
October 10 - December 29, 2004

For more information on the Star Wars exhibit visit the official Fukushima Art Museum website here.