How do I TOBU (fly) the SORA (skies) of Japan?

SORATOBU is the world's first platform dedicated to sharing Japanese general aviation with the world. Japan's GA scene is something special, and we think everyone should have a shot at experiencing it.

Whether you're dreaming of flying a Cessna over the Japanese countryside or figuring out how to convert your license, we've pulled everything together in one place. Beginner guides, flight clubs, license help, etc. Consider this your home base for taking to Japanese skies with confidence!

SORATOBU Origins

How SORATOBU Started

March, 2019

Founder of SORATOBU, Taisei Yamada, obtained his PPL after graduating college. He returned to Japan to work his corporate job in Nagoya.

October, 2021

Taisei quits his corporate job to pursue a career in web development in Tokyo. Feeling a bit burnt out, he remembers he's a pilot, and that flying was supposed to be fun. He starts the FAA → JCAB license conversion process, but the journey is daunting enough that he nearly gives up, turning his focus back to his career instead.

Sometime in 2023

After nurturing his web development skills, Taisei falls victim to tech burnout. He once again attempts his license conversion... and it works! Taisei joins a flight club in Tokyo called Skynet, embarking on his private pilot journey in Japan at last.

February 2024

Taisei takes the Cessna 172 owned by Skyshaft, and with an instructor by his side, takes the plane up over downtown Tokyo. He's mesmerized; and in that moment, knows he wants to share this experience with the world.

July 2025 (and present)

Taisei founds SORATOBU under J-TEC Ltd. and is currently the developer and organizer behind the world's first digital platform dedicated to everything you need to know about general aviation in Japan.

Mission

What we want to do

Make Japanese general aviation accessible to the world

We break down language, regulatory, and cultural barriers so pilots from around the globe can explore Japan's skies with ease and confidence.

Build and foster a strong community of Japanese aviation enthusiasts

We want to bring together pilots and non-pilots who are genuinely passionate about GA in Japan, and grow that into a global network of people connected by a love of flight.

Build a flight club in Japan

One day, we want to create a flight club in Japan that throws out the bureaucracy and builds something fresh: a modern, welcoming space where anyone can get a real taste of what it's like to fly over Japan.

Meet the founder

Hey! 👋 I'm Taisei!

I'm a software engineer based in Tokyo and a private pilot. After years of figuring out Japan's general aviation scene on my own, I founded SORATOBU to share everything I've learned. I'm also currently working toward becoming a professional pilot myself!

I built this platform so you don't have to go through what I did. License conversion, flight clubs, etc; I've been through it all, and it's all here. Whether you're planning your first flight in Japan or you're already in the air, I'd love to help you find your way.

Say hi

Legal stuff

Have questions?
Ask away!

Your questions, comments, and concerns contribute directly to the expansion of our platform! If you have anything, don't hesitate to raise your voice! Even if you just want to say hi!

For those who own a flight club in Japan and want us to add it to the list, reach out too!

You can either use the inquiry form or DM us on our socials below! We also accept direct emails — the choice is yours 👌