Tokorozawa Army Airfield

The primary reason for its closure as a Japanese military base was the surrender of Japan at the end of World War II and the subsequent dissolution of the Imperial Japanese Army. The facility was then taken over by the United States Armed Forces. Its eventual closure as a US base and return to Japan was part of a broader realignment of US military presence and land return agreements.

The former airfield site has been completely redeveloped. The central and most significant portion of the site is now the Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park (所沢航空記念公園), a large public park created to commemorate its historical importance. The park features the Tokorozawa Aviation Museum (所沢航空発祥記念館), which houses historical aircraft and exhibits detailing the history of Japanese aviation. Other parts of the former base are now occupied by residential areas, public and government facilities. A small adjacent area is still used by the US military as the Tokorozawa Communication Site.

Tokorozawa Army Airfield holds a preeminent place in Japanese history as the 'Cradle of Japanese Aviation.' It was Japan's first permanent airfield, officially opened on April 1, 1911. The first successful powered flight in Japan was conducted here by Captain Yoshitoshi Tokugawa on April 5, 1911. Throughout the pre-war and World War II eras, it was the central hub for the Imperial Japanese Army Air Service. It housed the Tokorozawa Army Aviation School, serving as the primary facility for pilot training, aircraft research, and flight testing. Many of Japan's pioneering aviators and aircraft were associated with this airfield. After WWII, under US control, it was used as a supply depot and maintenance base.

None. There are absolutely no plans or prospects for reopening the site as an airport. The land has been fully and permanently redeveloped into a major urban park, a museum, and other civilian infrastructure. Its historical role is now preserved through commemoration rather than operation.