
As you might have heard, that little indie film Star Wars is getting a squeal or something like that. And, like Pokemon and Hello Kitty before it, the franchise is getting its own themed plane with the R2-D2 jet, set to start flying international routes this fall.
As you may expect, a project this big demands a big announcement. And ANA (All Nippon Airways), the company bringing this themed jet to the skies, is more than happy to oblige! Check out the commercial, complete with the jet soaring majestically through cloudy skies, below.
▼Grab your light saber and click play!
Obviously, you don’t just dress a 787-9 Dreamliner up like R2-D2 on a whim. For one thing, we don’t think that’s an easy costume to throw together really quickly–it definitely takes a little bit more than the usual 24 hours of planning!
▼Pictured below: Lots of forethought!
The ANA plane is, obviously, the result of a collaboration with Disney ahead of this year’s new Star Wars movie. The jet will be flying international routes starting this autumn and is part of ANA’s plan to “connect Japan to the global market.”
▼This is not the PR department you’re looking for.
▼It’s totally okay to make whooshing noises while admiring these photos, though.
▼They also helpfully added “Star Wars” in giant letters.
Just so no one would even dare to ask why Picard isn’t piloting the jet.
▼We bet you can’t go the rest of the day without humming the theme song.
Now, you may be wondering why ANA picked R2-D2. First, we have to say that the robot and the jet bear a bit of a resemblance, but not that much more than, say, C-3PO. Fortunately, All Nippon Airways provided this helpful explanation!
▼Gah! Pull up! We’re falling into a vortex of
marketing speak and awkward translations!
Finally, ANA has a message for all us earthlings, or “the travelers of this planet,” which actually sounds like authentic movie dialogue. This message does provide some helpful information, though, as we learn that ANA is starting service from Tokyo to Houston in June. Also, apparently our power to dream is far greater than the reach of an aircraft. Does that make our dreams better than flying first class?
And, in case you’re still wondering what this whole Star Wars thing is, here’s a trailer for the new movie. Spoiler alert: Harrison Ford has aged surprisingly well!
Finally, if you want to get that theme song by John Williams stuck in your head all day, be sure to head to ANA’s Star Wars-themed website for more information. Sadly, you’ll have to wait until next month to get anything more than photos of the R2-D2 plane, since it doesn’t completely open until May 15. You can still appreciate the snazzy background they have though!








We try out the upcoming R2-D2 virtual keyboard projector!
R2-D2 Japanese name stamp holder comes to you from a galaxy far, far away….
May the Chill be with you — with the $10,000 moving, life-size R2-D2 refrigerator!
Star Wars and Tamagotchi team-up for the R2-D2 Tamagotchi virtual pet【Video】
Catch the Star Wars Chill: We check out the amazing R2-D2™ Moving Refrigerator in person!【Video】
Krispy Kreme releases new limited-edition fox doughnuts at only four stores in Japan
Two new Sailor Moon art manhole covers are coming to Usagi’s real-world Tokyo neighborhood
KFC Japan’s “The American Burgers” include a pile of guilt
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Gundam teams up with 300-year-old daruma maker for wood-carved anime mecha figures[Photos]
Japanese government to allow desecration of flags on kids’ meals
Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
Used chopsticks upgraded from “waste” to “valuable material” by Kawasaki City thanks to ChopValue
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Japan’s instant ramen snack theme park features an athletic course even adults can enjoy
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
R2-Dora2: Model maker turns iconic Star Wars characters into the stars of Doraemon!
Awaken your need for random Star Wars stuff from 7-Eleven and Ichiban-Kuji
R2-D2 is ready to chill with your groceries as a cool talking Star Wars fridge droid 【Video】
Japanese airline rolls out its summer 2014 Pokémon-themed travel deals!
Demon Slayers in the sky with new Kimetsu no Yaiba anime-themed airliner from ANA
Popular Star Wars characters interpreted as ice cream flavors by Baskin Robbins
Star Wars director Rian Johnson prays for upcoming film’s success at scenic Kyoto temple
Travel from Kansai Airport to Osaka aboard the Star Wars: The Force Awakens express
Star Wars cafe to open in Tokyo as part of city’s real-life Star Wars Holiday special events
We visit a Yokohama bar for some Star Wars cocktails, get served by a world class bartender
Official Star Wars Ukiyo-e is back for Round 2!
Eat, drink, and shop the world of Star Wars at five OH MY CAFE locations in Japan this winter
Star Wars rice paddy art grows in Aomori Prefecture
Awesome cardboard Darth Vader costume lets you become an eco-friendly Jedi villain【Video】
Star Wars-themed eyewear arrives in Japan, lets you see The Force with unparalleled clarity