JGSDF Camp Higashichitose Second Airfield

Military Repurposing. The airfield was not closed due to economic reasons, accidents, or lack of use in a traditional sense. Instead, the land was repurposed by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) to serve a higher-priority need: as a large-scale training ground for the armored vehicles and ground troops of the 7th Division stationed at Camp Higashichitose.

The site of the former airfield is now fully integrated into the JGSDF Higashichitose Garrison's main training area. Satellite imagery shows a large, open, grassy field with numerous tracks from heavy vehicles. It is actively used as a maneuver and tactical training ground for the 7th Armored Division's tanks (such as the Type 90 and Type 10), armored personnel carriers, and other ground combat vehicles. The original runway is no longer visible or maintained, and the entire area has been repurposed for ground-based military exercises.

JGSDF Camp Higashichitose Second Airfield was an auxiliary military airstrip within the larger Higashichitose Garrison. It was distinct from the main, still-active Higashichitose Heliport (ICAO: RJCJ). Its primary role was likely to support training and operational flights for the 7th Aviation Squadron, part of the JGSDF's 7th Division (the only armored division in the JGSDF). The airfield would have handled light, short take-off and landing (STOL) observation and liaison aircraft (such as the Fuji LM-1/2 or LR-1) and helicopters for specific training scenarios that were separate from the main heliport's operations. Its existence highlights the comprehensive nature of the training facilities at this major JGSDF base during the Cold War and post-Cold War era.

There are zero known plans or prospects for reopening the site as an airfield. The land is a critical and actively used component of the training infrastructure for one of the JGSDF's most important combat divisions. Its current function as a ground training area is its established and ongoing purpose, and aviation needs for the base are fully met by the adjacent Higashichitose Heliport (RJCJ) and the nearby Chitose Air Base (RJCJ).