April 27, 2025
A U.S. military jet remains at a civil airport in Kochi Prefecture after making a “precautionary” landing in late March.
The military aircraft in question is an F-35B stealth fighter based at the U.S. Marine Corps Iwakuni Base (Yamaguchi Pref.). The Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement allows the U.S. military to use civil airports in Japan without paying for parking charges.
A local network against the militarization of Kochi Prefecture, consisting of 13 organizations including the Japan Peace Committee prefectural chapter, on April 25 held a press conference in the prefectural government office building.
The network reported on its activities in the past month, such as holding a rally, and stressed that it regards the F-35B’s prolonged stay at Kochi Ryoma Airport as a sign that there are some serious problems with the aircraft. The network demanded an investigation into this matter and the disclosure of information to Kochi people.
Furthermore, the network expressed concerns that the stealth fighter’s long stay is part of the U.S. military’s strategic move to use Japan’s civil airports for military purposes.
The military aircraft in question is an F-35B stealth fighter based at the U.S. Marine Corps Iwakuni Base (Yamaguchi Pref.). The Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement allows the U.S. military to use civil airports in Japan without paying for parking charges.
A local network against the militarization of Kochi Prefecture, consisting of 13 organizations including the Japan Peace Committee prefectural chapter, on April 25 held a press conference in the prefectural government office building.
The network reported on its activities in the past month, such as holding a rally, and stressed that it regards the F-35B’s prolonged stay at Kochi Ryoma Airport as a sign that there are some serious problems with the aircraft. The network demanded an investigation into this matter and the disclosure of information to Kochi people.
Furthermore, the network expressed concerns that the stealth fighter’s long stay is part of the U.S. military’s strategic move to use Japan’s civil airports for military purposes.
