Every once in a while a story comes along about a flying car or helicopter that fits in a briefcase, but they always disappear into the ether never coming to fruition. It’s understandable since everyone having their own mass produced flying machine would be a safety and law enforcement nightmare.
This time, however, Hirobo in Hiroshima Prefecture may be rolling out a personal helicopter that will actually get off the ground.

Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Fatal stabbing at Pokémon Center in Tokyo reignites concern over rising stalking cases in Japan
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor
Japanese kindness restores our faith in humanity after a highway bus accident in Tokyo
Deer are appearing in Osaka City, may have wandered there from Nara[Video]
Chinese internet unusually upset by “most usual Chinese face” composite
Akashiyaki: A regional dumpling with a fascinating backstory
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
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
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
Japanese kindness restores our faith in humanity after a highway bus accident in Tokyo
Deer are appearing in Osaka City, may have wandered there from Nara[Video]
Chinese internet unusually upset by “most usual Chinese face” composite
Akashiyaki: A regional dumpling with a fascinating backstory
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Studio Ghibli unleashes Turnip Head on the world
Japanese politicians working to promote plastic model culture as a cultural asset
Mr. Sato sacrifices his hands on the altar of all-you-can-eat shrimp
We try Rabbit toilet paper, a luxury roll made by suppliers to the Imperial Family
How to speak Japanese like a gyaru【2024 edition】