For one special little crane who thought he was destined for greater things than gathering dust on someone’s desk, dreams really can come true. The intricately folded origami bird proved that the sky’s the limit when it comes to development in Japan, as he was released to an enthralled audience of onlookers in Tokyo this week.
So how did the impossible become possible? We take a look at the video of the beautiful bird in flight and the team that gave him functional wings after the break.

Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
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Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
Japan has been tossing message-bearing coconuts into the ocean since the 1980s
Stay in a Tokyo hotel with a train driver’s seat in the room
We got a circus show-girl makeover at Studio Esperanto in Kyoto 【Photos】
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
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
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Studio Ghibli releases Spirited Away bags in Japan, based on a mysterious festival
Japanese young women reveal their top dealbreakers in a man【Survey】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
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Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
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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
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
Japan has been tossing message-bearing coconuts into the ocean since the 1980s
Stay in a Tokyo hotel with a train driver’s seat in the room
We got a circus show-girl makeover at Studio Esperanto in Kyoto 【Photos】
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Internet survey sheds light on how Japanese women deal with the hair ‘down there’
Eight Ways You Really, Really Shouldn’t Use a Japanese Toilet
23 flavors, five top recommendations for the wide world of Kikkoman soy milk【Taste test】
Testing 23 different yakiniku dipping sauces from the Japanese supermarket to find the top three
Hear ye, hear ye! 7-Eleven’s Cheese Buns are the best cheesy bread snacks on the market
End-of-the-line exploring in Japan: Visiting Hashimoto Station
A guide to riding the Shinkansen bullet train with a terrible-twos kid
Japanese comedian baffles, amazes judges on America’s Got Talent with weird dance, Japanese humor