Sukumo Seaplane Base

Military Demobilization. The base was operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy and was officially closed and dismantled following Japan's surrender at the end of World War II.

The original site has been completely redeveloped and bears no resemblance to its wartime past. The area, located in the Ōshima and Ikeda districts of Sukumo Bay, was reclaimed and developed into the modern Port of Sukumo (Sukumo Bay Port). It is now a heavily industrialized zone featuring a large industrial park, factories, warehouses, and commercial port facilities for shipping and logistics. There are no visible remnants of the original seaplane ramps, hangars, or barracks. A peace monument (平和の碑) has been erected nearby to commemorate the base and the victims of the wartime air raids.

The site was the Imperial Japanese Navy's Sukumo Naval Air Group (宿毛海軍航空隊 - Sukumo Kaigun Kōkūtai) base. Established on December 1, 1943, during the height of the Pacific War, its primary mission was the training of reconnaissance seaplane crews to replenish heavy losses. The base primarily operated aircraft such as the Mitsubishi F1M ('Pete') two-seat reconnaissance biplane and the Aichi E13A ('Jake') long-range reconnaissance seaplane. In addition to training, the unit was involved in local air defense and patrol missions. The base was targeted by US air raids in March 1945, suffering damage and casualties. Its existence represents a key part of Japan's late-war effort to rapidly expand its naval air power.

None. The site is a critical industrial and commercial port for the city of Sukumo and the surrounding region. The original military infrastructure was completely dismantled after 1945, and the land has been entirely repurposed for industrial and maritime use. There are no known plans, discussions, or prospects for re-establishing a seaplane base or any other aviation facility at this location.