「 フォースと共にあらんことを」(フォースとともにあらんことを; pronounced fo-su to tomoni aran koto wo) means, “May the force be with you.”
It is widely known that George Lucas was a fan of Akira Kurosawa and that Kurosawa’s The Hidden Fortress was a great source of inspiration for Star Wars.
Lucas’ interest in Japan went beyond an admiration for Kurosawa’s filmmaking, and an appreciation for Japanese traditional culture in general pervades the Star Wars films.
From costumes reminiscent of samurai armor to the term “Jedi” being birthed from the Japanese word “jidaigeki,” the Japanese word for “period drama.” Not to mention, the Force having heavy leanings towards the teachings within the Bushido.
Learn more about the Japanese influence behind Star Wars here.
On this Star Wars Day, we not only celebrate a beloved franchise, we celebrate the influence of Japanese culture.
“May the 4th be with you!”