A suspected World War II-era American bomb exploded near the runway of Miyazaki Airport in southwestern Japan on Wednesday, forcing the facility’s closure and causing 87 flight cancellations.
The blast created a crater 7 meters (23 feet) wide and 1 meter (3.2 feet) deep on the taxiway adjacent to the runway, according to a Japanese transport ministry official. No injuries were reported, but local broadcaster MRT noted that an airplane had been taxiing nearby just two minutes before the explosion.
A bomb disposal team from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force identified the source as an American bomb, likely dropped during wartime air raids to counter “kamikaze” attacks. Miyazaki Airport, located at the southeast end of Kyushu island, was formerly a Japanese navy base until the end of World War II.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that repair work to fill the crater should be completed by Thursday morning, and there is no risk of further explosions.
“We are working diligently to restore normal operations while ensuring the safety of all passengers and airport personnel,” Hayashi said at a press conference.
The closure affected flights operated by Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, and other carriers connecting Miyazaki with major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka.
This incident highlights the ongoing legacy of World War II in Japan. The transport ministry official noted that multiple unexploded bombs have previously been found at Miyazaki Airport. According to the Self-Defense Forces, 2,348 bombs weighing 37.5 tonnes were disposed of during fiscal year 2023 across Japan.
