pilot
ANA (All Nippon Airways) knows how to treat their fans. They’ve got Pokémon and Star Wars-themed planes, and now they’re doing something even more special: raffling off the actual steering yokes of a retired Boeing 767.
Do you want to have the ultimate flight simulator controller? Or finally complete your ANA-themed bedroom? Read on to find out how you can get your hands on a piece of Japanese flight history! But be warned: There is a slight catch.
In Asian countries, working on an airplane is considered a highly skilled occupation. Aside from the usual flying skills and regulations, both pilots and staff also need knowledge of another language (particularly English). On top of that, physical limitations like height and vision make for a rather shallow pool of candidates.
In China, a country often given a bad rap for lax regulations, the restrictions are even tighter as having smelly underarms is grounds for expulsion from becoming a pilot.


Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Why you should be adding Calpis to your beer in Japan
Secret Starbucks sausage customization sparks sweet joy in Japan[Taste test]
Awesome Ghibli Howl’s Moving Castle figure is also a puzzle and an organizer[Photos]
Japan’s Mos Burger creates tempura rice bowl bento boxed lunch burger, but not for its menu
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Cup Noodle pouch satisfies our never-ending need for instant ramen
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Draw like a Studio Ghibli anime artist with exclusive watercolour set approved by Hayao Miyazaki
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
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 releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
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
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Cup Noodle pouch satisfies our never-ending need for instant ramen
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Draw like a Studio Ghibli anime artist with exclusive watercolour set approved by Hayao Miyazaki
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Japan’s Mos Burger discontinues old teriyaki burger and rolls out new recipe, but is it as good?
Hay fever got you down? Doctors recommend wiggling around on the floor like a dying cockroach
Japanese vending machine serves up unique drinks at four Tokyo train stations
Metal Gear Solid is now real with awesome “real infiltration game” opening in Tokyo【Video】
Is the new Shinkansen Train Desk ticket worth it?
Are 500-yen noodles at Akihabara Ramen Center a great find or cheap miss?