Beppu Naval Seaplane Base

The base was closed and its air group disbanded as a direct result of the surrender of Japan and the subsequent dissolution of the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces at the end of World War II.

The site of the former seaplane base has been completely redeveloped and is unrecognizable from its military origins. The land where the hangars, barracks, and support facilities once stood is now occupied by the modern Beppu International Tourism Port (Beppu Kankō-kō). This area includes large ferry terminals (serving routes to Osaka, Shikoku, etc.), commercial buildings, parking lots, and public parks. The water landing area in Beppu Bay is now part of the busy commercial harbor. While no original buildings remain, a stone monument dedicated to the memory of the Beppu Naval Air Group has been erected in a park adjacent to the port, preserving its history.

The Beppu Naval Seaplane Base (別府海軍航空隊, Beppu Kaigun Kōkūtai) was established on October 1, 1940, as a key training facility for the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service. Its primary mission was to serve as a 'Renshu Kokutai' (Training Air Group) for pilots and observers specializing in seaplane reconnaissance. Personnel trained here would go on to serve throughout the Pacific. The base operated various types of floatplanes, most notably the Mitsubishi F1M ('Pete') observation seaplane and the Aichi E13A ('Jake') reconnaissance seaplane. Although re-designated as a combat unit in December 1944 as the war situation deteriorated for Japan, its principal function remained training until its operational life ended.

None. There are absolutely no plans or prospects for reopening the base. The site has been fundamentally and permanently transformed into a vital civilian transportation and commercial hub. Re-establishing an aviation facility, especially a military seaplane base, is infeasible due to the complete redevelopment of the land and water areas for port and urban use.