The latest installment in the Star Wars series, "The Force Awakens," is set for release this winter and the first in a new trilogy. On April 30th, a press conference titled "KICK OFF MEETING" for the film was held at TOHO Roppongi Hills, featuring Hollywood actress Daisy Ridley, who plays the new heroine, and producer Kathleen Kennedy, who visited Japan. A fan meeting, "Star Wars Celebration," was also held in Anaheim, USA in mid-April, and the film is attracting worldwide attention. Daisy was chosen to play the desert-dwelling heroine Rey, and Kathleen praised her, saying, "There haven't been many female characters in Star Wars to date, but this character was created to change that. She's a strong, sporty, confident, and beautiful woman. The moment she walked into the audition room, I knew she was the one. I think she has all the qualities we need for a new heroine." Daisy has long been a Star Wars fan, but she also seems to be a fan of Japan, greeting the crowd in Japanese, saying, "I'm happy to be in Japan." She also seems interested in Japanese fashion, and the black jumpsuit she wore that day was from TOMORROWLAND because "I wanted to wear something from a Japanese brand." She also wore a watch featuring the mascot Funassyi, purchased at Kiddyland, on her right wrist. Incidentally, her light blue high heels were from the British shoe brand Charlotte Olympia. This is Daisy's first visit to Japan, and she seems to be enjoying herself to the fullest, saying, "I've already been to Kyoto, seen a robot show, and shopped in Harajuku. The culture is deep, the girls are cool, and the food is delicious. It's really the best!" She also described Rey, the character she plays, as "a very independent, lonely woman." Furthermore, the film seems to incorporate plenty of action, and when asked about his role, he said, "I did a lot of training," showing off his beautiful and strong upper arms.

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" will be released on Friday, December 18th.