Commentary: Historical significance of JASDF's arrival at Yokota

  • Published
  • By Dr. John Treiber
  • 374th Airlift Wing Historian Office
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  The dedication ceremony and official opening of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Air Defense Command headquarters at Yokota Air Base on March 26, was an important historical event for many reasons, not least of which is the further cementing of ties between the US Air Force and JASDF.

From the viewpoint of history, however, the event has even deeper meaning. After all, the last time the Japanese military was stationed at Yokota was in September 1945 when the Occupation was just getting underway and the Imperial Japanese military was being disbanded.

Of course Yokota is now physically a very different place compared to the small Fussa Airfield (as it was called then) that Imperial forces peacefully turned over to the incoming American troops, but the base's location and purpose are essentially the same now as they were 67 years ago.

Perhaps, then, it would be appropriate to not only say "welcome" to the incoming Japanese airmen, but also "welcome back."

It's worth noting, too, that with the activation of the ADC headquarters at Yokota we are witnessing something seldom seen in history: A clearly defined moment of change rather than a vague, drawn-out process that makes sense only with the aid of hindsight and historical perspective. As a professional historian I appreciate these rare "turning points," though what JASDF's presence at Yokota will mean in the long term remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, I look forward to interacting with our new Japanese friends and will be thoroughly documenting this period to ensure that its significance is not forgotten. Spread the word - history has been made at Yokota.