E.T. Day

What Is E.T. Day?

Every December 4th is "E.T. Day" in Japan. On December 4, 1982, Steven Spielberg's science fiction film "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" (E.T.〔イーティー〕) opened in Japanese cinemas, becoming one of the most beloved and commercially successful films in Japanese box office history. The story of a lonely boy's friendship with a stranded alien from outer space captured Japanese audiences as completely as it had audiences worldwide, and "E.T." became a cultural touchstone of 1980s Japan, reflecting the era's fascination with space, technology, and cross-cultural friendship.

E.T. in Japan

"E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" (1982) had been a global sensation since its June U.S. release, and its December Japan premiere was among the most anticipated film openings of the year. The film's themes — childhood friendship, family separation and reunion, the wonder of the unknown, and the gentleness of difference — resonated deeply with Japanese audiences. E.T. became one of the top-grossing films in Japan at that time, and the extraterrestrial's distinctly non-threatening, emotionally expressive design made him an immediately beloved icon of Japanese popular culture.

Hollywood in Japan

The enormous success of E.T. in Japan reflected the close relationship between Hollywood and Japanese audiences that had developed since the postwar period. Japan is consistently one of the largest non-domestic markets for American films, and Hollywood studios have long treated Japan as a priority market. The mutual influence runs in both directions — Japanese animation, film aesthetics, and storytelling techniques have significantly influenced Hollywood, while Hollywood blockbusters have been a major part of Japanese cinema culture for decades.

Science Fiction in Japanese Pop Culture

E.T.'s success in Japan drew on a deep Japanese tradition of science fiction engagement. From Osamu Tezuka's "Astro Boy" (1963) to the Ultraman franchise (1966), from Gundam (1979) to the entire anime science fiction tradition, Japanese audiences have embraced imaginative storytelling about space, technology, and extraterrestrial beings. E.T. arrived in this rich context and found a perfectly prepared audience.

Fun Facts

• Reese's Pieces effect: The product placement of Reese's Pieces candy in E.T. — used by Elliott to lure E.T. — led to a massive sales increase for the candy in the U.S. In Japan, the equivalent product placement beneficiary was a local confectionery item used in the Japanese promotional campaign.
• John Williams: John Williams's score for E.T. — including the famous flying bicycle theme — won the Academy Award for Best Original Score and is one of the most recognized film music pieces in history, familiar to Japanese audiences through the film's enduring popularity.