As I reflect on my time atStar Wars CelebrationJapan 2025, I’ve found that I learned one majorStar Warslesson that the entire fandom needs to learn, too. Over the years, the reputation of theStar Warsfandom has only seemed to get worse and worse. This comes afterreview-bombings of projects such asThe Acolyteand evenStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, and campaigns to harass actors like John Boyega, Kelly Marie Tran, and Amandla Stenberg.
Long story short, theStar Warsfandom is now often cited as being one of the most toxic fandoms that exists today. As someone who’s been active in it for many years, I’ve witnessed some of these incredibly disappointing moments for the fandom, though I’ve also witnessed some of its highest highs, too. Nothing, however, compares to what I learned about the fandom atStar Wars Celebration Japan this year. In fact, it gave me a lot more hope for this fandom.
The Star Wars Fandom In Person Is Nothing Like The Fandom Online
There Couldn’t Have Been A Starker Contrast Between The Two
Being surrounded by thousands ofStar Warsfans at Star Wars Celebration may sound like your worst nightmare if your only impression of the fandom is through its presence online, but in reality,it was the most generous, safest space I’ve ever been in. Handmade swag was being handed out left and right, from stickers to friendship bracelets and even 3D-printed creations, and despite any language barriers, compliments were often passed on outfits, accessories, cosplays, and more.
What I both witnessed and experienced at Star Wars Celebration Japan was a fandom that was nothing like that which I’ve only seen online.These fans were grateful for every single opportunity they had to be in the presence of other fans,Star Warscreators, and more, celebrating every single announcement with the utmost enthusiasm. I failed to catch even a single negative vibe from anyone the entire weekend, aside from some grumblings about the event’s actual organization.
What I both witnessed and experienced at Star Wars Celebration Japan was a fandom that was nothing like that which I’ve only seen online.
I wasn’t present for this particular event, but Manny Jacinto’s presence on the live stage urged the crowd to chant enthusiastically forThe Acolyteseason 2, something the online fandom would have you believe no one would ever want. There were cosplays of just about every character you could ever dream of, even those the onlineStar Warsfandom insists are worthless additions to the franchise. In the Celebration space, these characters and properties received their due love and credit.
Every Star Wars Fan Needs To Experience Something Like Celebration
It Completely Changes Your View Of What The Star Wars Fandom REALLY Is
As someone who’s now been lucky enough to attend a Star Wars Celebration and has had my perspective on the fandom refreshed in the best way possible, it’s my personal belief that everyStar Warsfan ought to experience something like Celebration at least once in their lives. Not only is it immensely special for allStar Warsfans, butit also allows you to experience the fandom in the way fandom as a culture was always meant to be experienced.
It’s all pure love and passion for the franchise on display at Celebration. No one has any screen names or fake pictures to hide behind;they own their love ofStar Warsfully, and while they may have some hot takes or aspects of the franchise that they don’t enjoy as much, they’re not constantly voicing those opinions. Instead, they’re celebrating the things theydolove, and that was the most beautiful part of Celebration for me.
Your Entire Opinion Of The Star Wars Fandom Changes IRL
I Appreciate The Fandom So Much More Now Than Before
Don’t get me wrong, though. The onlineStar Warsfandom as a whole isn’t bad. In fact, at Celebration, I got to meet some of my incredible onlineStar Warsfriends (shoutout Athena, Maya, and Monica!) and even attended some panels and other events with them - and that was perhaps the best part of the weekend as a whole. Without the onlineStar Warsfandom, I wouldn’t have even met them, so I’m endlessly grateful for it.
The IRL (in real life) fandom, however, is something completely different.There’s a true, genuine appreciation forStar Warsthat you just can’t, and don’t, get from the online fandomanymore. While everyone is entitled to their opinions ofStar Warscontent, even their negative ones, that’s not what the IRL fandom dwells on. Instead, everyone unites to celebrate the things they love. It’s completely changed my entire view on theStar Warsfandom, and I hope more people get to experience something like this, too.
