Can you imagine a single runway handling millions of passengers? Right here at the Itazuke Exit, we’re just a stone’s throw from Fukuoka Airport, once known as Itazuke Air Base. This airport, the fourth busiest in Japan, has a fascinating history. Originally built in 1944 by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force as Mushiroda Airfield, it was used for training and later as an air defense base. The 6th Fighter Wing, equipped with fighters and reconnaissance aircraft, patrolled the skies from here. After the war, the United States Air Force took over, renaming it Itazuke Air Base. It became a key player during the Korean War. The base supported various aircraft, from F-80C Shooting Stars to P-51D Mustangs. Itazuke’s location made it a crucial hub for operations over Korea. Units like the 49th Fighter Group and the 58th Fighter-Bomber Wing operated from here. Even after the Korean War, Itazuke remained a vital air defense base during the Cold War. The 8th Fighter Wing returned, flying F-86 Sabres and later F-100 Super Sabres and F-102 Delta Daggers. A tragic incident in 1968 saw an F-4 Phantom crash into Kyushu University, sparking protests. The base was eventually returned to Japan in 1972. Fukuoka Airport then rose from the ashes of Itazuke Air Base. It’s amazing to think that a single 2,800-meter runway handles the incredible traffic here. It’s a testament to the airport’s efficiency. Plans for a second runway are in the works, aiming to alleviate congestion and solidify Fukuoka Airport’s status as a key travel hub. From wartime operations to a bustling international airport, Itazuke Exit and Fukuoka Airport stand as witnesses to a rich and dynamic history.
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