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】
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Krispy Kreme Japan releases new fruit doughnuts…that taste better cold
The adorable, delicious joy of the Totoro cream puff gift box[Taste test]
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Tokyo cops arrest foreigner for suspected visa violation, don’t know what new residence cards look like
Testing Japan’s latest food hack trend: Adding instant corn soup powder to popcorn[Taste test]
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
“Phantom Egg Shop” opens in Japan, with a dozen rare Japanese varieties
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
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]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
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]