A painting on traditional screens featuring "Star Wars" characters was unveiled Monday at Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto to mark the 400th anniversary of the birth of the Rimpa school of Japanese art, as well as to celebrate the Dec. 18 release of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
The "Star Wars" version of the famous "Fujin Raijin-zu byobu" ("Wind God and Thunder God Screens") by 17th-century artist Tawaraya Sotatsu will be exhibited at the temple from Dec. 8 to Dec. 15.
The painting was drawn by Taro Yamamoto, 41. It likens "Star Wars" character Rey to the Wind God and antagonist Kylo Ren to the Thunder God, both holding light sabers.
"It was difficult to bring out what is good about the characters," Yamamoto said. "As an artist in the modern age, I hope this will help carry on the Rimpa school" in the future.
