Mikatahara Airfield

Military conversion and change of national sovereignty. The original Imperial Japanese Army Air Service (IJAAS) airfield was effectively closed following the surrender of Japan at the end of World War II. Its operator, the IJAAS, was dissolved. The facility was then taken over by Allied occupation forces before being transferred to the newly formed Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) in the 1950s.

The site was never abandoned. It is the location of the very active Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Hamamatsu Air Base (ICAO: RJNH). It is a major and critical installation for the JASDF, serving several key functions:
- It is home to the 1st Air Wing, which provides basic pilot training using the Kawasaki T-4 trainer aircraft.
- It houses the Air Development and Test Wing, responsible for testing new aircraft and equipment.
- It is the sole base for Japan's fleet of four E-767 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, which are a cornerstone of the nation's air defense.
- The base also features the JASDF Hamamatsu Air Park, a large aviation museum and public relations center open to the public, showcasing retired JASDF aircraft and exhibits on the history of the force.

The site has a long and significant military history. It was originally established in 1925 as the Imperial Japanese Army's Hamamatsu Army Airfield (陸軍浜松飛行場). The name 'Mikatahara Airfield' (三方原飛行場) is often used to refer to this historical IJA installation, located on the Mikatagahara plateau. It was one of the most important flight schools in Japan, specializing in training heavy bomber pilots and crews for the IJAAS. Due to its strategic importance as a training and operational base, it was a frequent target for American B-29 Superfortress bombing raids during the later stages of World War II. The 'closure' in 1945 marked the end of its role under the Empire of Japan.

There are no prospects for reopening the site as a civilian airport or in its former capacity. The term 'reopening' is not applicable as the airfield has been in continuous military operation since its establishment, albeit under different national commands. As a critical, active military installation vital to Japan's national defense, there are no plans for its decommissioning or conversion to civilian use.