Japan successfully tested an air taxi in Osaka Castle Park, marking the first time a cockpit-piloted air taxi has been trialed in the country. The test was part of preparations for the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka, where “flying cars” are set to be a key attraction and a means of transportation to the expo venue on an artificial island in Osaka Bay.
The craft, a U.S.-made single-seater, was operated by GMO Internet Group CEO Masatoshi Kumagai, who trained in the U.S. for the flight. Kumagai described the experience as similar to using a game console. Marubeni Corp., one of five companies selected to provide air taxi services for the event, plans to deploy larger models for the 184-day expo. During the test, the craft demonstrated its maneuverability by ascending vertically and hovering while moving in different directions before landing safely.
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