In 1941, amidst rising tensions, Chofu Airport opened its runways. It was intended for public use, but World War II changed its trajectory. The Imperial Japanese Army Air Service quickly took control, stationing Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien fighter planes there to defend against American bombing raids. Chofu Airport became a vital defense point for Tokyo. In 1944, concrete hangars were constructed at Chofu Airport to protect the aircraft from attacks. Two of these hangars still stand today, preserved in a small park east of the current airport. These silent structures whisper tales of wartime urgency. They offer a glimpse into the airport’s vital role during the war. After the war, Chofu Airport was briefly used by American forces. Lockheed F-5 Lightning photo-reconnaissance aircraft were stationed there to document the war’s impact. This marked the end of Chofu Airport’s military service. Control was returned to the Japanese government in 1972 as part of the Kanto Plain Consolidation Plan. Commercial air service resumed at Chofu Airport in 1979 with flights to Niijima. Today, Chofu Airport serves as a hub for commuter flights to the Izu Islands. It also houses the Chofu Aerospace Center, a major research and development base for JAXA, Japan’s national air and space agency. Chofu Airport isn’t just a transportation hub. It’s a place where history and innovation meet. From wartime defense to aerospace research, Chofu Airport’s story continues to unfold. Remember its past as you watch planes take off towards a brighter future.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to