We continue our countdown to Celebration Japan with our weekly series focusing on the different planning aspects of such a big trip.
Today we look at some things to remember as we head towards Japan 2025.
Get your badge
First things first – you need your badge to get into the event. The pickup times are Tuesday 15th April from 10am to 7pm, Wednesday 16th April from 8am to 7pm, Thursday 17th April from 8am to 7pm, Friday 18th April from 7am – 6pm, Saturday 19th April from 7am to 6pm and Sunday 20th April from 7.30am to 4pm. This will be in Hall 9 and found at the Registration Booths, and from here, you’ll also be able to pick up any merchandise that you preordered when you booked your tickets last year.
Have a rough plan
Last weekend, all of the panels went live and it was a lot to take in. As I sat with a cuppa and browsed everything my head already started to hurt a little bit as on one afternoon there are three panels that I really want to see but its physically impossible. So, perhaps the best thing to do is to create a rough outline and detail one thing each day that you really, really want to do and make that a priority. Then look and have a few back up ideas in case things don’t go to plan. Some things can and probably will go wrong a little bit. Perhaps you’re still in line for an autograph that should have been at 1pm but its now closer to 2pm so you might need to get your autograph and then ditch the panel you were going to see at 2.15 and head to one at 3pm instead. Stay loose but have an idea. Also, make the most of time. If there’s a morning where you aren’t interested in any of the panels then that might be your time to block out three hours in the autograph hall and get them all done in one go.
Always have the essentials on you
These are tried and tested but worth a gentle reminder. Here we go; water bottle, phone charger, deodorant, sharpie (you never know who you might bump into), poster sleeve or tube, cash (as far as we can so far, Japan is very cash orientated), protective folder for autographs and photos and some snacks.
Don’t stress to see everything
Celebration, though the time of our lives, can be quite stressful if we let it get to us. When the doors first open it can be very overwhelming. It is impossible to see everything and remember that the folks at Lucasfilm are deliberately holding things back for surprise and announcements and sometimes it’s just about being in the right place and right time. You’re there to have a good time and no one has the same experience at Celebration, it’s all about what interests you and your taste. Try and get a little flavour of everything and remember to take it all in.
Make the most of Sunday
This is maxim I tend to live by in life anyway, but it has become true of Celebrations as well. Last time, in London 2023, the final day fell on the Monday of the four-day event. The last day was incredibly relaxing. All the big panels were done, and it was a time just to soak it all in and get round everything that you really want to do. The crowds are in less of a rush and if Day One of Celebration is Christmas Morning, then the final day is a mid-January mooch around the shops when everyone is a little calmer. Utilize the last day to your benefit, especially during the closing ceremony. In the past there have been surprises there but its generally just a recap, a thank you and the date and location of the next Celebration is announced. Me, personally, I’ll just check social media to see when the next one so I use the quiet floors to pack in everything I want to whilst the ceremony takes place.
Be wary of big purchases
As a dedicated and seasoned collector now then it’s become obvious that Celebration events aren’t the place to strike bargains to add to your museums. Keep in mind about getting things home, an inflated cost due to dealers renting out the space and perhaps make the most of collectables you’ll only find in Japan.
If you can, then do it
Here’s a quick story. It’s coming up to Celebration London 2016. I’d saved up for a photo op with Mark Hamill. All booked. Brilliant. I stayed on the computer and something niggled at me. There was Carrie’s photo op bookings. It wasn’t in my budget. This would be way over budget. Should I? I worked out finances quickly and moved some things around. I pulled the trigger and met Carrie on the first day of Celebration in 2016. For reasons we all know, boy am I glad I did. Now, for not one second am I advocating that you bankrupt yourself or go into debt to do all things you want to do, however, I am saying that life is like the seasons – it comes and goes. So, while you’ll alive – live it. If you can do something, then do it. Celebrations don’t come round very often in the grand picture of life.
The real Celebration is the friends made along the way
Amen.
Join us next week as we look at the final countdown towards Celebration Japan 2025.