The Star Wars-themed airplane is retiring, sparking a wave of regret amongst its many fans. Operated by Nippon Airways, the R2-D2 themed Boeing 787-9 has been a distinctive figure in Japan's skies since 2015, often attracting global Star Wars enthusiasts. The decision to retire the plane, made due to overall fleet updates, has inspired many expressions of appreciation for the aesthetic and cultural impact it had.

In Japan, corporate fandom is an important part of pop culture. The retirement of Star Wars plane has left many fans and the general public sentimental, reflecting the massive following and popularity Star Wars enjoys in Japan. The plane was a symbol of the cultural intermingling between Japan and Hollywood, eventually becoming a pop-culture icon itself.

In the US and EU, the retirement of popularly themed aircrafts, trains, or other modes of transport also often leads to sentimental responses from dedicated fans. However, given the inherent Hollywood origin of Star Wars, the nostalgia and sentiment might be more deeply felt amongst US fans.