Ever wondered about the skies above Iruma? Look around you. We stand near the site of a significant piece of history. This is Iruma a city with a rich past intertwined with aviation. Iruma is more than just a modern city. It holds the legacy of Iruma Air Base.
For decades Iruma Air Base served as a vital hub. It started as Irumagawa Airfield in 1937. It trained pilots for the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force. Imagine Kawasaki Ki-10 biplanes painted bright orange. These planes were part of the training here. During World War II Mitsubishi Ki-67 bombers also operated from this airfield. They even launched kamikaze missions from here. This base saw intense action. It was attacked several times by USAAF B-29s.
After the war the USAAF took over. They renamed it Johnson Air Base. It became a major US Air Force base. It played a critical role during the Korean War. Units like Rankin’s Raiders and the 35th Fighter Group were stationed here. The 35th Fighter Group fought in Korea then returned to Iruma. The base housed various aircraft from F-51 Mustangs to F-86 Sabres. The base even provided crucial intelligence during the early days of the Korean War. The 3d Bombardment Wing also operated from Johnson Air Base. They participated in the Korean War. Tragically the first American casualties of the Korean War were from the 13th Bombardment Squadron based here. The 3d Bombardment Wing eventually left in 1960 for Yokota Air Base.
In 1958 the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) established its Central Air Defense Force headquarters at Johnson Air Base. The base gradually transitioned to Japanese control. The last US facilities closed in 1978.
Today Iruma Air Base continues its legacy. It’s home to various JASDF units. It hosts an annual air show. This popular event showcases modern military aircraft. It’s a vibrant part of Iruma’s culture. You can see many aircraft including the U-4 and the Kawasaki C-1. The Blue Impulse aerobatic team also performs. Thousands attend this spectacle each year. The history of Iruma Air Base is interwoven with the city’s identity. The base’s past and present demonstrate Japan’s history in aviation and defense.