Taito Airfield

The primary reason for the closure was the expiration of the land lease agreement. The airfield was built on land leased from numerous private landowners, and renewing the agreements became logistically and financially unfeasible. Contributing factors likely included increasing noise complaints from the surrounding residential areas that had developed over the years.

The former airfield site has been completely repurposed. The majority of the land, including the area of the former runway and taxiways, is now occupied by a large-scale solar power plant known as the 'Isumi Taito Solar Power Plant' (いすみ太東崎ソーラー発電所). While the distinct shape of the airfield is no longer present on the ground, its faint outline can still be discerned in satellite imagery, with rows of solar panels now covering the land. Some peripheral areas of the former base may be used for agriculture or remain as undeveloped land.

Taito Airfield has a significant two-part history.

1. **Military Origin (WWII):** It was originally constructed during World War II as the Taito Naval Airfield (太東航空基地) by the Imperial Japanese Navy. Its strategic location on the coast of the Bōsō Peninsula made it a critical base for interceptor aircraft, such as the Mitsubishi J2M Raiden ('Jack'), tasked with defending the Tokyo metropolitan area from B-29 Superfortress bomber raids. The base was also used for training, including for 'kamikaze' special attack units, making it a site of considerable historical importance from that period.

2. **Civilian General Aviation (Post-War):** After the war, the facility was demilitarized and eventually converted into a civilian airfield. It became a popular hub for general aviation activities. It was particularly well-known as a center for gliding and soaring, with the Japan Glider Club being a prominent operator. The airfield also supported ultralight aircraft and other forms of recreational flying until its closure.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening Taito Airfield. The fundamental redevelopment of the site into a major, long-term industrial project (the solar power plant) and the termination of the original land leases make a return to aviation activities virtually impossible. The aviation infrastructure has been entirely removed.