70s Spots: Japanese Star Wars Tuna Ad (’78)

Hagoromo 'Star Wars' tuna fish TV spot, 1978. Beware the Star Wars ninja in the background there.

This is one of those TV spots that’s so awful it turns into something wonderful. In 1978, Japanese seafood company Hagoromo produced this apparently unauthorized Star Wars tuna fish spot to capitalize on the movie’s breakout success and impending release in Japan.

This ad was difficult to research, but I believe it is indeed unauthorized as the actors are wearing unofficial costumes with glaring errors. Is that “Chewbacca” jumping up and shrieking like a monkey? Why, yes it is! Glorious. Why not watch it a few more times?

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