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.

Visiting Japan’s Gyarados Pokémon park in the city with a special connection to Magikarp【Photos】
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Bear meat noodles?!? Tokyo restaurant adds a new kind of niku soba to its menu【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Pikachu’s chunky original design is back as a plus-sized plushie【Photos】
Massive manga collaboration bringing 100 years of Shueisha manga to Uniqlo T-shirts【Photos】
Canned cuteness as Hello Kitty and friends kick off Can Chara capsule toy line【Photos】
Japan slowly begins to openly discuss crossdressing men in heterosexual relationships
You need this instant Japanese curry rice if you hate cooking but want to eat a balanced diet
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
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
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
Pikachu’s chunky original design is back as a plus-sized plushie【Photos】
Massive manga collaboration bringing 100 years of Shueisha manga to Uniqlo T-shirts【Photos】
Canned cuteness as Hello Kitty and friends kick off Can Chara capsule toy line【Photos】
Japan slowly begins to openly discuss crossdressing men in heterosexual relationships
You need this instant Japanese curry rice if you hate cooking but want to eat a balanced diet
In Kyoto, “Hey, you’ve got a really nice watch” is NOT a compliment, Japanese businessman says
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Japanese vending machine serves up unique drinks at four Tokyo train stations
New KitKat pizzas are coming to Pizza Hut Japan
Immersive ukiyoe exhibition in Osaka adds some scented flair
How to try the viral 7-Eleven smoothie hack in Japan
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal