Japanese Depp fans have a reason to celebrate once more–Johnny Depp will return to Japan for the Asian premiere of PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD’S END. The premiere will be held on Wednesday, May 23rd, with Johnny arriving in Japan on the 21st or 22nd, depending on travel arrangements. He will fly to Japan after attending the world premiere of AT WORLD’S END at Disneyland on Saturday evening, May 19th. According to the press release, Johnny will be accompanied by producer Jerry Bruckheimer, director Gore Verbinski, and co-star Geoffrey Rush; the report also mentions Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley and Chow-Yun-Fat, but the wording is ambiguous, so at this time their attendance at the premiere is not confirmed.

Johnny’s visits to Japan are becoming an annual event–he went to Tokyo for the premiere of DEAD MAN’S CHEST last July, and for CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY in 2005, and received wonderfully warm receptions from huge crowds. Thanks to Charlotte Depp and GAO for news about the premiere–we’re looking forward to your reports. –Part-Time Poet