Japan Aims to Turn Artificial Shooting Stars Into a Business

Feb 05, 2026 | News On Japan

Feb 05, 2026 (News On Japan) - Japanese startup ALE announced on February 4 that it will conduct its third demonstration experiment to generate artificial shooting stars in 2028, positioning the project as a step toward eventual commercialization rather than a one-off spectacle.

The experiment will involve launching a satellite into a circular orbit at an altitude of about 400 kilometers using a rocket, after which the satellite will release specially developed metal particles that reenter the atmosphere and burn up, creating the appearance of shooting stars visible from the ground. ALE has attempted the experiment twice in the past, successfully launching and placing satellites into orbit on both occasions, but failed to generate artificial meteors due to malfunctions in the onboard release mechanism, preventing the particles from being deployed. For the upcoming attempt, the company says it has redesigned the release device and introduced a new system aimed at avoiding such operational failures, resulting in a more reliable configuration for producing artificial shooting stars.

ALE President Reina Okajima said: “This is not just about entertainment or beauty; there is a scientific contribution behind it. We want to turn these shooting stars into a real business, and after a successful challenge in 2028, we plan to move toward commercialization.”

Source: テレ東BIZ

Japan Sees 30th Typhoon of 2026 as Storm Expected to Intensify

Typhoon No. 30 formed near the Marshall Islands at 3 p.m. on October 15, bringing the annual number of typhoons to 30 for the first time in 13 years, with forecasts indicating that the storm will intensify into a very strong typhoon as it moves westward across the Pacific Ocean, potentially approaching Okinawa.

Burger King Reports Data Leak Affecting 11.18 Million Members

Burger King Japan has announced that approximately 11.18 million records containing personal information of its official app members were leaked following unauthorized access to its systems between October 2 and October 7.

Disney Imagination Sets Sail for Japan in 2029

Japan's first Disney cruise ship will be named "Disney Imagination," with Oriental Land and its partners planning to launch the service in spring 2029, offering a new Disney-themed travel experience departing from Tokyo.

Tokyo's 23 Wards Plan New Public Crematorium as Fees Soar

Tokyo's 23 wards have decided to establish a new small-scale public crematorium to address rising fees at privately operated facilities and growing concerns that cremation capacity could become insufficient around 2040 as the city's aging population drives up the number of deaths.

AI Breaks Japan's Language Barrier, Fueling Rise in Cyberattacks

Japan is facing a growing wave of cyberattacks as advances in artificial intelligence remove the language barrier that once made Japanese companies difficult targets for overseas hackers, with more than 68 million personal records potentially exposed in a series of security incidents over the past two weeks.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

CEATEC 2026 Opens With Latest AI Cybersecurity

One of Japan's largest digital technology exhibitions, CEATEC 2026, opened in Tokyo on October 13, drawing attention to advances in artificial intelligence designed to combat cyberattacks and improve rescue operations at disaster sites, with 821 companies and organizations showcasing their latest innovations over four days.

Why Homeowners Prefer Using Online Portals to Find a Plumber on Plumber.com

Finding a reliable plumber can be a daunting task for homeowners, especially when emergencies arise and quick action is required. Many are turning to online portals like Plumber.com for their plumbing needs.

Damage to Tunnel Boring Machine Halts Tokyo Maglev Work

Construction of an underground tunnel for Japan's Linear Chuo Shinkansen in Tokyo's Shinagawa Ward is expected to remain suspended for at least another six months after damage was discovered in several components of a large tunnel boring machine, according to Central Japan Railway (JR Central).