U.S.-based Honda Aircraft is having a homecoming of sorts. The manufacturer of private jets has started accepting orders in Japan for its new HondaJet Elite after winning government approval to compete in the Japanese domestic market. But with its compact land mass and easily accessible bullet trains, will Japan now take to the sky for private rides? CGTN's Steve Ross has more from Tokyo.

MICHIMASA FUJINO HONDA AIRCRAFT COMPANY "HondaJet is a very fuel efficient aircraft. And if you compare it to other similar size business jets, on an average basis, approximately, more than 8,000 gallons per year are saved."

Honda Aircraft founding president and CEO, Michimasa FUJINO, is also an aeronautical engineer, and he's now taking on the challenge of re-engineering the way people travel in Japan.

Since June, HondaJet has been accepting orders in Japan for the $5.25 million HondaJet Elite that seats six, plus pilot. Features setting it apart from competitors include its over-the-wing engine mounts, which reduce internal noise levels, composite fuselage, and custom sound system.

STEVE ROSS TOKYO "While HondaJet promises value and efficiency like that of the company's consumer products, there remain significant regulatory hurdles to overcome."

The HondaJet Elite has now received Japan Civil Aviation Bureau approval for the jet. But, for quick flight scheduling and freedom in the skies, Japan will also require greater private flight deregulation. And, many wealthy potential customers may simply be more accustomed to hopping Japan's ubiquitous bullet trains. But Fujino believes that Japanese regulations – and even travel habits – can be overcome."

MICHIMASA FUJINO HONDA AIRCRAFT COMPANY "Eventually, if people understand the convenience of using business jets, that will contribute to deregulate those restrictions."

Aviation analyst and former Japan airlines pilot Hiroyuki Kobayashi says that getting streamlined private flight clearance procedures in Japan may take some time.

HIROYUKI KOBAYASHI AVIATION EXPERT "There are not a lot of private jets in Japan now. The reason is that the regulations are too difficult. The procedures required are also complex. One faces many obstacles in flying private jets."

Kobayashi also sees private jet flight as an issue of consumer acceptance, deeply tied to Japan's economic performance and corporate culture.

HIROYUKI KOBAYASHI AVIATION EXPERT "For top business leaders, face-to-face meetings are key, and they need to travel more widely and quickly than commercial carriers. And, the private jet cabin can be used as a flying conference room."

HondaJet's ambitions in Japan are part of a wider Asian marketing effort that includes China, a country that poses similar issues, and possibly far greater rewards.

MICHIMASA FUJINO HONDA AIRCRAFT COMPANY "This is more like 'chicken and egg'. If demand exists, especially like China, once they've decided, the action is very quick. I think there is definitely demand there. So I think the Chinese market is a great potential for HondaJet in the future, too."

Steve Ross, CGTN, Tokyo.