Japan’s Miyazaki Airport Closes After World War II Bomb Detonates
A suspected World War II-era bomb, likely dropped by the U.S., exploded at Japan’s Miyazaki Airport on Wednesday, leading to its closure and the cancellation of dozens of flights. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the incident, which serves as a stark reminder of the lingering dangers from the war nearly 80 years later.
Key Facts: The explosion occurred at approximately 7:59 a.m. local time, involving a U.S.-made bomb weighing over 500 pounds, according to Japan’s Transport Ministry. The bomb, thought to have been buried during a World War II raid, detonated on the airport’s taxiway, creating a large crater about 20 feet in length and 13 feet in width. Officials have not yet confirmed what triggered the explosion, but the Miyazaki Airport, built in 1943 and used by the Imperial Japanese Navy, had been a target during the war due to its role in kamikaze missions.
The incident caused significant disruption, with 87 flights canceled as authorities closed the runway for the entire day. Despite the chaos, no injuries were reported.
Background: Japan is still dealing with the remnants of World War II, with thousands of undetonated bombs scattered across the country. In 2023 alone, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces disposed of over 2,300 unexploded bombs, many found at construction sites or during infrastructure development. Despite efforts to remove the bombs, it could take another century to fully clear Japan of these hazardous remnants, according to analysts.
Miyazaki Airport is no stranger to such finds, as other unexploded bombs have previously been discovered in the area. The U.S. military and allied forces dropped thousands of bombs on Japan during the war, and while many have been cleared, incidents like this one highlight the ongoing risks.
Conclusion: This explosion serves as a reminder of the long-lasting impacts of war. The Japanese government continues to manage the careful removal of unexploded ordnance to ensure public safety, but the process is slow and ongoing. As airports and other infrastructure expand, Japan may continue to encounter these dangerous remnants of its wartime past.
Source: Forbes
