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】
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
This gigantic judo dojo-sized hotel room will make you feel like royalty, but it’s disappearing soon
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Cherry blossoms already blooming at Gap Japan with Sakura Collection lineup【Photos】
7-Eleven Japan’s new microwaves know how long your bento should be warmed up, even if you don’t
Former SMAP member Shingo Katori announces marriage to woman he’s been dating for 25 years
How to make a lucky sushi roll with KFC fried chicken skin【SoraKitchen】
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Dragon Ball costumes made easy with new masks of your favorite characters
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Studio Ghibli releases Spirited Away bags in Japan, based on a mysterious festival
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
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
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
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Leave a Reply