Read ‘em：空飛ぶクルマ

OSAKA — A facility allowing visitors to experience what it feels like to ride in a “flying car” that was exhibited at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, will be open to the public again in this western Japan city starting March 8.

The project is led primarily by companies including Japan Airlines Co. (JAL) and is supported by the Osaka Prefectural Government. The goal is to encourage widespread public familiarity to bring the flying vehicles showcased at the Osaka Expo into practical use in society.

The immersive theater facility “Sora Cruise,” which is set to be reopened, was visited by about 130,000 people during the Expo period. Visitors can experience an approximately 15-minute “journey through the sky” through images projected on four screens at the front, sides and floor, along with three-dimensional sounds and vibrations. The structure measures 5 meters wide, 3.4 meters high and 5.7 meters deep, and has been renovated to about 70% of the scale used at the Expo.

Soracle Corp., a Chuo Ward, Tokyo-based JAL-Sumitomo Corp. joint venture, is cooperating on the project. The company aims to begin commercial operations of the flying cars in the Osaka Bay area in 2027. The Osaka Prefectural Government and Osaka Municipal Government signed a partnership agreement with the company in September 2025.

The venue is located at Osakako Vertiport, a takeoff and landing site in the city of Osaka’s Minato Ward, developed by Osaka Metro Co. The facility will be open for a limited time through March 25. Admission is free, but online reservations must be made on a first come, first served basis.