October 4 & 5, 2025

The liaison council comprising the Tokyo metropolitan government and six municipalities surrounding the U.S. Yokota Air Base on October 3 submitted a written request to the U.S. Forces Japan and the Ministry of Defense, demanding measures to prevent the recurrence of emergency landings of CV-22 Osprey aircraft deployed at the base.

On the previous day, a CV-22 based at Yokota AB made an unplanned landing (precautionary landing) at Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force Hamamatsu Airbase (Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Pref.). Emergency landings by the same type of aircraft model occurred in July at Odate-Noshiro Airport (Akita Pref.) and Hanamaki Airport (Iwate Pref.).

The liaison council in its written request pointed out that problems while in flight could lead to life-threatening accidents, causing significant anxiety to local residents. It demanded a thorough investigation into the causes of the July emergency landings and the implementation of preventive measures.

The council also demanded that: inspection and maintenance of aircraft belonging to the U.S. Yokota AB be enhanced; thorough safety measures be taken; and information regarding emergency landings be promptly provided to relevant municipalities.

Past related articles:
> US Osprey making emergency landing in Akita and Iwate was the same [August 1, 2025]
> US Ospreys make emergency landing twice within 7 days [July 26 & 28, 2025]