Fukuji Airfield

Primarily economic reasons. The private company that operated the airfield for general aviation, Okinawa Aviation (沖縄航空), reportedly faced financial difficulties leading to the suspension and eventual termination of its business. This was common for many private ventures in Japan following the collapse of the 'bubble economy' in the early 1990s.

The site has been completely redeveloped and no longer functions as an airfield. The former runway and surrounding area are now occupied by the Itoman City Tourism Farm (糸満市観光農園) and a large-scale solar power generation facility known as the 'Itoman City Fukuji Mega Solar Plant'. The distinct outline of the former runway is now covered almost entirely by rows of solar panels, a project developed in the 2010s. All original aviation infrastructure has been removed.

The airfield has a two-part history. It was originally constructed in early 1945 by the Imperial Japanese Navy during the final stages of World War II. Known then as Komesu Airfield (米須飛行場), it was built as a secret (秘匿) airfield intended for launching Tokkōtai (Kamikaze) attacks against the approaching Allied fleet during the Battle of Okinawa. Due to the rapid advance of U.S. forces, it is uncertain if it ever became fully operational for its intended purpose before the area was captured.

After the war, the site was eventually re-established as a private airfield for general aviation. Under the name Fukuji Airfield, it served as a base for light aircraft used in pilot training, aerial photography, sightseeing flights over the scenic southern coast of Okinawa, and recreational activities such as skydiving.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening Fukuji Airfield. The land has been permanently and significantly repurposed for municipal tourism and renewable energy generation. The installation of the large-scale solar farm makes any return to aviation activities virtually impossible.