Has there ever been a Japanese actor in Star Wars? The answer is yes! As of the release of The Last Jedi, there are currently three Japanese actors that have appeared in the Star Wars movie series!

Keep an eye out during your next watch through Return of the Jedi, Revenge of the Sith, and Rogue One for these three Japanese actors!

1. Eiji Kusuhara
Appeared in: Episode VI Return of the Jedi

Eiji Kusuhara played the pilot Lieutenant Telsij (part of the Grey Squadron), who we see during the attack on the second Death Star during Return of the Jedi. He was uncredited in the film, but has been much talked about since. NPR did a wonderful piece on his character in 2014, worth a read as it discusses Star War’s “First Asian Pilot”.

2. Masa Yamaguchi
Appeared in: Episode III Revenge of the Sith

Masa Yamaguchi appears briefly in Episode III Revenge of the Sith as a member of the galactic senate.

3. Shina Shihoko Nagai
Appeared in: Rogue One

Remember when Jyn Erso runs into danger to save a crying child in the chaos of the Jedda City battle? Shina Shihoko Nagai plays Huika Siliu, the mother of that lost child. This short but memorable scene shows us how Jyn cares for others, and perhaps even sees herself in that child.

Sadly, Huika Siliu quickly disappears once reunited with her daughter so we don’t get to see much of Shina Shihoko Nagai but it was still a heart touching moment.

Do you think we’ll be seeing more Japanese actors in future Star Wars movies? With the increased diversity seen in episodes 7, 8, and in Rogue One, I hope there will be more Japanese actors appearing in Star Wars soon!