“A camp in the city?” you may ask. Yes, right here stands the Narashino Training Area, a key base of the Ground Self-Defense Force. Let me tell you its story.
The Narashino Training Area, or JGSDF Camp Narashino, is a Ground Self-Defense Force base. It is located in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture. The main units stationed here are the 1st Airborne Brigade.
The history of Narashino Training Area dates back to the Meiji era. In 1872, the Imperial Japanese Army established a training ground here. In 1873, Emperor Meiji visited a military exercise. To commemorate this event, the area became known as Narashino. Part of the neighboring Narashino Training Field is now a place called Narashino in Funabashi City.
The commander of the Narashino Training Area is also the commander of the 1st Airborne Brigade. Adjacent to the camp is the Narashino Sub Base of the Air Self-Defense Force. The Central High-Altitude Group’s 1st High-Altitude Battery is stationed there.
The Ground Self-Defense Force’s Narashino Training Area and the Air Self-Defense Force’s Narashino Sub Base share the same location. Their addresses are the same. The area is divided only by fences. However, the Ground Self-Defense Force and the Air Self-Defense Force manage their respective bases separately. The commander of the Narashino Sub Base is different from the commander of the Narashino Training Area. The commander of the 1st High-Altitude Battery also serves as the commander of the sub base.
In 1945, the U.S. military took over most of the army cavalry school as Camp Palmer. In 1951, Camp Palmer was closed. In the same year, the Police Reserve Narashino Camp was established. Later, it became the Security Force Narashino Camp. Finally, it became the Ground Self-Defense Force Narashino Camp in 1954.
Since then, various units have been stationed here. In 1958, a 250-foot drop training tower was completed. In 1963, the 101st High-Altitude Artillery Battalion’s 2nd Company was formed at the Narashino Training Area. However, it soon moved to Takeyama Camp.
The Narashino Training Area hosts joint public events with the Ground and Air Self-Defense Forces. These include the “Ground Self-Defense Force Narashino Training Area Establishment Anniversary Event”. Also, the “Air Self-Defense Force Narashino Sub Base Opening Anniversary Event” occur on the same day each year.
Every year, a cherry blossom festival is held in early April. Also, a summer festival is held in August. The summer festival features many stalls. Local residents gather around the drop training tower. There are also self-defense force vehicle rides and parachute experiences. Fireworks light up the first day.
Within the Narashino Training Area is the Airborne Hall. This hall displays materials related to the 1st Airborne Brigade. It was originally built in 1911 as Emperor Meiji’s viewing stand. He used it to watch equestrian drills. Later, it was moved to its current location. It now serves as a museum.
The motto of the 1st Airborne Brigade is “Refined and Matchless”. They are Japan’s only parachute unit. They stand ready to deploy anywhere in the country. They respond to invasions, natural disasters, and other crises. Their mission is to parachute into the most dangerous and important situations.
The Narashino Training Area is more than just a military base. It is a place with a rich history. It is a symbol of Japan’s defense and a gathering place for the community.