Comments on: Day 1: Mark Hamill at Celebration Japan

By: Peter Payne

Peter Payne — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:55:52 +0000

I’m an American who’s lived in Japan for 20 years, and I speak the language. I wonder if Mark Hamill ever spoke much Japanese? I’d guess yes, they must do some Japanese study on the bases. I find the idea of Luke Skywalker puzzling over hiragana and kanji to be quite awesome.

By: MBCE

MBCE — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:10:50 +0000

Actually, I was there at Japan Celebration, my first ever Star Wars convention. I first saw the original trilogy in the theaters and I can still remember the excitement those movies brought me.

At first, I thought paying for the Autographs would be silly, but then I thought to myself, “I may never have this chance again!” I decided to take the plunge and made sure to get every signature that I could. Yes, it was expensive, mostly due to the fact that the Japanese promotors knew that the Japanese fans would pay the prices, but I didn’t care.

I surprised myself when I had a chance to talk to Mark Hamil face to face. Though I was more a Han Solo fan than Luke, I found myself speechless before him. If it wasn’t for one of the workers there to encourage me to talk about my own life here in Japan, I might not have been granted the feeling of joy on the last day.

On the last day, I took a picture with Mark (had to pay for that as well, but it was worth it!) and when I walked up to him, he had remembered my name from the day before! Wow! I was on cloud nine!

So, for all of those that say the price of his autograph was too much to pay to get a few moments to talk to the actors face to face, all I say is this. You’ll never know when you’ll have that chance again.

I’m glad I decided to go for it.

By: Tal'n Frost

Tal'n Frost — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:00:42 +0000

I wish I could have been there. Again I agree. I seriously do not believe neithre Mark or Carrie has ever been able to understand the Impact their Characters have made on American and Global Culture (US culture Primarily) They are Cultural Icons and unfortunately, they both Chose a different path than Harrison. I think they may see it but I hope when they do, “Filming can begin for Episode VII!!” lol Seriously, I hope they realize that they are a part of American Cinema and US culture in a way that can never truly be translated.

By: Darth Vader

Darth Vader — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:49:26 +0000

Wow, whoever went to celebration japan or any other Star wars celebration is and are lucky. living in Canada, well not many celebrations for Star wars here. So for those of you who made, luck you!

Darth Vader,
lord of the Sith

By: bellacanta

bellacanta — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:01:32 +0000

In response to your post Master Jedi D,

Carrie Fisher was at Celebration 4 in LA and did autograph signing as well as a wonderful interview…though I do agree with you about Hamill and do wish he would make appearances at US events

By: Master Jedi D

Master Jedi D — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:19:56 +0000

I too watched the podcast. I am disapponted by the fact that so many of the major actors mark, carrie etc… Have not graced us here in the US for Celebrations or WDW Star Wars Weekends, imagine, no translator required.

May the Force be with you.

By: Carolyn

Carolyn — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:10:02 +0000

I find it strange that Mark doesn’t seem to grasp what his character means to us Star Wars fans….particularly those (like me) who saw Star Wars as a young child and was a fan for life! As the years go on I value the orignial trilogy more and more. Maybe it turned out to be frustrating professionally to be always thought of as Luke Skywalker and to be asked the same questions for the past 30 years (as others have noted above in their comments).

The original Star Wars trilogy has a heart & soul and an incredible impact that is unmatched in the three newer Star Wars movies and by most other movies made since. To be so closely associated with movies of that calibre is an amazing achievement for any actor. I would have been thrilled to be part of such a project even if I was an anonymous extra filling in for a jawa or a canteen worker serving the actors – imagine the stories you’d be able to tell !!!

By: Master Mina

Master Mina — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 04:47:51 +0000

I heard the interview via the pod cast and was a little disappointed in Mark’s responses.

There are times where it seems like he wishes he never did Star Wars. Than there are times where he feels thankful he did it. In any event, he was my childhood hero and always will be, even though he was type casted. He does have the power to change that, though. He could have been another Harrison Ford, he just didn’t choose that path.

If I ever got the chance to meet him, I’d love to explain to him why Star Wars fans love him so much. I truly believe he has no clue just how much his character touched the hearts and minds of the fans.

By: Qui-gon Reborn

Qui-gon Reborn — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:27:12 +0000

A farmboy, a princess, a wizard, and a pirate – never thought of it that way!
Mark Hamill is truly a survivor, a wonderful human being, and generous individual. (not to mention the savior of the galaxy!)

WE LOVE YOU MARK HAMILL! May the Force be with us all, always!

By: Nevarr

Nevarr — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:32:17 +0000

Actually, I got more of the impresson that the translator was pretty much killing the jokes. His translations were spot on, but he couldn’t tell a story, so a lot of the delivery was lost. The woman who was translating for some of the other events did a much better job of getting across more of the nuances.