Okazaki Airfield

Military Conversion and Industrial Redevelopment. The primary reason for its closure as an airfield was the end of World War II and the subsequent demilitarization of Japan. The site was then acquired by Mitsubishi for industrial use, transitioning from a military facility to a major automotive manufacturing and research center.

The site of the former airfield is now entirely occupied by the Mitsubishi Motors Okazaki Plant. This large complex serves as one of the company's main production facilities and also houses a major Research & Development center and a comprehensive proving ground (test track). The long, high-speed straightaway of the modern test track is located on the approximate alignment of the airfield's former main runway.

Okazaki Airfield was constructed during World War II (circa 1943-1944) by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force. Its primary and critical role was to serve as a factory airfield for the adjacent Mitsubishi Heavy Industries plant. Newly manufactured military aircraft, most notably the Type 4 Heavy Bomber Ki-67 'Hiryū' (Allied reporting name: 'Peggy'), were tested, completed, and flown from this airfield for delivery to combat units. It was a vital part of Japan's late-war aircraft production effort.

None. There are no plans or prospects for reopening Okazaki Airfield. The site is a critical, long-established, and active industrial facility for Mitsubishi Motors. Reverting the land to aviation use would require the demolition of the entire factory, R&D center, and proving ground, making it economically and logistically infeasible.