Shimoshizu Airfield

Military Demobilization. The airfield ceased operations following the surrender of Japan at the end of World War II and the subsequent dissolution of the Imperial Japanese Army.

The site of the former airfield has been completely redeveloped and shows no visible traces of its runways. The majority of the land is now occupied by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Camp Shimoshizu (陸上自衛隊下志津駐屯地). This camp is a major military installation, housing the JGSDF Anti-Aircraft Artillery School (高射学校), which is the primary training center for Japan's ground-based air defense units. Other parts of the former airfield grounds have been converted into public and residential areas, including Shimoshizu Park (下志津公園) and surrounding neighborhoods in the cities of Yotsukaido and Sakura.

Shimoshizu Airfield was one of the most important and historic airfields of the Imperial Japanese Army Air Service (IJAAS). Established in 1921 in Chiba Prefecture, it was among the first military airfields in Japan. Its primary and most famous role was hosting the Shimoshizu Army Flying School (下志津陸軍飛行学校, Shimoshizu Rikugun Hikō Gakkō). This school was the premier institution for training fighter pilots and developing air-to-air combat tactics for the IJAAS. Many of Japan's top aces and aviation leaders of the era were trained or served as instructors at Shimoshizu. The school was also involved in testing new aircraft and equipment. During World War II, in addition to its training role, the airfield served as a base for air defense units, including the 53rd Sentai, tasked with defending Tokyo and the surrounding Kanto Plain from Allied bombing raids. The airfield was a strategic target and was attacked by US forces in the later stages of the war.

None. There are no plans or prospects for reopening Shimoshizu as an airfield. The land has been permanently and completely repurposed for use as a major JGSDF ground forces base and for urban development. The infrastructure for aviation is gone, and the area is now heavily populated.