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Wednesday, 7th October 2015
In Japan Entertainment News,
Tottori Dunes to feature Star Wars sand sculpture
It is safe to say that Star Wars fever is sweeping across Japan, ahead of the new film in the franchise, which is due to be released in December.
But there's one place in the country where you might not have expected to see the likes of C-3PO and R2-D2, but they seem quite at home - the Tottori Dunes.
The sand hills, which stretch out for 16 kilometres in length and are two kilometres wide, have been adorned with a huge sculpture licensed by LucasFilm Ltd, reports The Wall Street Journal.
Tottori Prefecture's unique landscape was chosen for the depiction of the characters that destroyed the Death Star, due to its similarities to the desert planet of Jakku, as seen in the new film.
Katsuhiko Chaen has been commissioned to make the sculpture, which is 3.4 metres tall and 7.4 metres wide and utilised 160 tons of sand.
Visitors will be able to see the sculpture from tomorrow (October 8th) until the end of December, although Japan's changeable weather may mean it could close early.
The Tottori Dunes are not the only place to exhibit artwork relating to Star Wars in recent weeks, with rice in a variety of colours planted at a paddy in Aomori Prefecture to depict a theme from the franchise.
It has been in bloom throughout the summer, revealing the picture, but is due to be harvested this month.
A huge Star Wars float was also featured at the Nebuta Festival in Aomori Prefecture, despite the tradition usually being for the papier mache dolls to represent historical figures.
This year, C-3PO, R2-D2, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker and Yoda joined the party.
Not to be outdone, All Nippon Airways (ANA), the largest carrier in Japan, has had the liveries on three of its Boeing aircraft redecorated with a Star Wars theme.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be released in Japan and the UK on December 18th.