Darth Vader has metamorphosed from an innocent boy to one of cinema’s quintessential symbols of evil. But now he’s getting back to his roots — in Japan.
A Tokyo-based traditional doll maker, arguing that Darth Vader was inspired by Japan’s samurai knights, has designed a pitch-black set of armour fashioned after the Galactic Empire’s dreaded enforcer.
Fans in touch with their dark side can buy a 90cm tall samurai outfit handmade out of silk, aluminium and brass that covers the torso, arms and legs, along with a pair of black boots with padded soles.
While the armour resembles that of the samurai, who disappeared in the 19th century, the helmet with the insignia of the Galactic Empire is unmistakably Darth Vader.
“Darth Vader’s costume was originally inspired by the Japanese samurai, so now we’re returning the favour,” said Norifumi Tanaka, manager for the Yoshitoku doll maker, which will be soon mark its 300th anniversary.
The set also includes a bow and arrow and a sword — one of the traditional Japanese variety rather than the bright Star Wars lightsabres.
The suit is being released ahead of the 30th anniversary of the original Star Wars film along with Japan’s traditional May 5 holiday for boys.
But with the full outfit costing $3 000, the doll maker acknowledges their customers will be adults.
“Mainly people who are maniacs about this film are buying this — essentially men in their late 20s and older who grew up with this film,” Tanaka said.
The store began taking orders in March and has dozens of suits in production, he said.
But Shigeki Sugihara (34), taking a peek during his lunch break, said the price tag was just too much.
“The melding of the samurai and Darth Vader is certainly impressive, but it seems a little too expensive for what it is — and I’m disappointed that the sword doesn’t even light up.” — AFP