Minamiyama Airfield

Economic reasons. The airfield was privately owned and operated by a company named Mogamigawa Country Co., Ltd. (株式会社最上川カントリー). This company went bankrupt, leading to the cessation of all operations and the eventual closure of the facility. The economic downturn in the region following the 2011 earthquake was a likely contributing factor to the company's financial failure.

The site is abandoned and derelict. Satellite imagery and recent visitor reports confirm the paved runway remains, but it is in a state of severe disrepair, with numerous cracks and significant vegetation growth. The facilities are closed, and 'No Entry' (立入禁止) signs are posted at the entrance. The land has reverted to its owners and is currently unused.

Minamiyama Airfield was a private 'off-field landing and takeoff site' (場外離着陸場 - Jōgai richakuriku-jō) established in July 1991. It was not a commercial airport but served as a hub for recreational and general aviation in the Yamagata Prefecture. Its primary operations consisted of ultralight aircraft (ULPs) and motor gliders. The airfield was used by private pilots and aviation clubs for leisure flying and training. Its scenic location near the Mogami River also made it a base for potential tourist sightseeing flights over the region.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening Minamiyama Airfield. The significant cost required to resurface the runway and restore the facilities, combined with the bankruptcy of the previous operator and the niche nature of its operations, makes a revival highly unlikely.