No strings or CG here; it’s all science and craftsmanship.
For the most part, Japan gets its science fiction fix from domestic sources. Between Gundam, Evangelion, and a host of other made-in-Japan giant robot anime and video game series, there’s not a whole lot of room for foreign franchises to flourish.
The exception, though, is Star Wars. New releases in the saga are major movie events in Japan, with demand strong enough to ensure they actually premiere in Japanese theaters at roughly the same time as they do overseas. Rogue One opens in Japan on December 16, and so Japanese Twitter user @HanakiMasatoshi decided to celebrate by building a model of Star Wars’ Millennium Falcon. Oh, and to help his stand out from all the other models of the iconic starship that have been built by fans over the years, he built one that levitates.
ミレニアムファルコン完成です。CREALEV社製の70mm浮く磁気浮上装置使って浮遊させ、エンジンは無線給電で発光します。装置の日本代理店である㈱ワイアードゲートさまとのコラボレーションで製作しました。二子玉川蔦屋家電で展示中です。#ローグワン #スターウォーズ #蔦屋家電 pic.twitter.com/egdv99zreT
— ハナキ-マサトシ (@HanakiMasatoshi) December 14, 2016
@HanakiMasatoshi achieved the amazing effect by using a magnetic levitation system from Dutch company Crealev that allows the object to hover 70 millimeters (2.8 inches) above its base.
▼ The floating portion, prior to having the Millennium Falcon built around it.
磁気浮上状態での無線給電テスト。浮上する磁石(キャリア)が上下すると、LEDがついたり消えたり。給電ギリギリ距離。重量物乗せればいい具合に下がってきて光るのです。 pic.twitter.com/IcMsPAQS29
— ハナキ-マサトシ (@HanakiMasatoshi) December 14, 2016
This is actually @HanakiMasatoshi’s second time building a floating reproduction of Han Solo’s pride and joy, having previously put together a model that levitated at a more modest height last year, around the time The Force Awakens debuted.
磁気浮上ミレニアムファルコンver1。去年のこの時期に、あーだこーだ言いながら作ってた。今年はこれのもっと浮くやつだ! #ローグワン に出るかはしらんけど #スターウォーズ pic.twitter.com/sqUYhyMpdq
— ハナキ-マサトシ (@HanakiMasatoshi) November 30, 2016
With the Star Wars franchise planning to release a new film every December until at least 2019, hopefully we’ll also be seeing annual updates to @HanakiMasatoshi’s flying fan tributes.
Source: IT Media, Twitter/@HanakiMasatoshi

Message from Space: The Japanese Star Wars knockoff that hit theaters before A New Hope 【Video】
Star Wars and Tamagotchi team-up for the R2-D2 Tamagotchi virtual pet【Video】
Star Wars stormtroopers don Gundam armor in fan’s awesome crossover models 【Videos/Photos】
Catch the Star Wars Chill: We check out the amazing R2-D2™ Moving Refrigerator in person!【Video】
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan opens new Kyoto store in Place of Scenic Beauty
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Is this Japan’s most extreme cherry blossom viewing? Leap, cycle and climb through 2,500 sakura
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
Which of Japan’s Big 3 convenience stores has the best keema curry? 【Taste test】
Pikachu Outbreak 2018: World’s first Eevee march to join Pokémon summer celebrations in Japan!
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students
Pikachu and Eevee become handmade Lladró porcelain sculptures to celebrate Pokémon’s 30th birthday
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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