“Is this all that’s left?” you might wonder. The story of Gannosu Airfield Seaplane Slipway is etched here. This seemingly modest slipway tells a tale of ambition and change. It speaks of a time when Fukuoka aimed to be a global gateway.
The Gannosu Airfield, officially known as Fukuoka Daiichi Airfield, was once Japan’s largest civilian airfield. This was in the prewar period. It facilitated routes to Korea, Taiwan, China and Southeast Asia via Dai Nippon Airways. Imagine seaplanes gracefully landing here. This slipway was their gateway.
In 1934 Gannosu was chosen as the site for a new airfield. Fukuoka needed an airfield capable of operating land-based aircraft. The Fukuoka Airfield already existed but it was dedicated to seaplanes. Construction began in January 1935. The total cost was 590,000 yen.
The airport opened on June 1, 1936. It had a runway and a seaplane runway. Two hangars were built on the beach. This slipway, now before you, is a remnant of that era. It is a tangible link to Fukuoka’s aviation history.
From 1939 a large expansion project was undertaken. The Hakata Bay Railway Steamship Kasuya Line was relocated. In 1940 a range beacon was installed at Fukuoka. During the Pacific War Gannosu Airfield became a military airport. A naval air force was stationed here.
After the war the U.S. military confiscated the airport. It was used as Brady Air Base. In 1961 Camp Hakata, Brady Air Base and Nishitosaki Communication Facility were merged into Gannosu.
In 1955 the runways were 1280m x 45m and 1158m x 30m. After the Korean War the Self-Defense Forces used the runway for paratrooping training. The airfield’s function effectively ended when joint use ceased.
Communications facilities were completed in February 1966. The facility was closed in 1972. The entire Gannosu Air Force Base was returned in 1977.
Today the area is Gannosu Recreation Center Park. The airfield’s presence is almost gone. The only remaining trace is this seaplane slipway.
If you look closely you can see the remnants of the slipway’s structure. See how it slopes gently towards the water. This design allowed seaplanes to easily enter and exit the water.
The slipway is a silent witness to history. It has endured war, occupation and redevelopment. It stands as a reminder of Fukuoka’s aviation past. The slipway serves as a poignant reminder. It connects us to a time when Gannosu Airfield was a vital hub.
Take a moment to appreciate this unassuming structure. The Gannosu Airfield Seaplane Slipway represents a bygone era. It’s a symbol of ambition and resilience. It echoes with the stories of those who took to the skies from Fukuoka.