A buried World War II-era U.S. bomb detonated at Miyazaki Airport in southwestern Japan on October 2, creating a 23-foot wide crater and forcing the cancellation of over 80 flights. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The 500-pound bomb, believed to have been dropped by U.S. forces during the war, exploded on a taxiway, spewing debris and damaging infrastructure. Officials stated that no aircraft were near the site during the explosion.
Miyazaki Airport, once a military training base during Japan’s imperial period, was a critical location for kamikaze pilots during World War II. Many such bombs, left undetonated, are occasionally discovered during construction work across Japan. Despite their age, these ordnance pieces still pose a significant danger, as demonstrated by this unexpected blast.
WW2 Bomb EXPLODES at Japanese Airport. No injuries reported so far. pic.twitter.com/kB6CUBy6xa
— DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) October 2, 2024
The explosion led to widespread disruption, particularly affecting domestic flights, as officials scrambled to assess the damage and secure the area. Flights were grounded while crews inspected the taxiway and cleared any additional risks. According to Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, operations at the airport are expected to resume by Thursday.
Japanese defense officials, along with local police, confirmed that the explosion resulted from the World War II bomb but are still investigating what triggered the sudden detonation. Such incidents are not entirely rare in Japan. Over 80 years after the war, hundreds of tons of unexploded bombs remain buried across the country, unearthed periodically during excavation or infrastructure projects.
Japan Airlines flight JL516, an Airbus A350 has collided with a Coast Guard aircraft on the runway at Tokyo-Haneda Airport. The aircraft caught fire but all passengers have been safely evacuated. I am in Haneda now.
pic.twitter.com/0JDtdfpW7H— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) January 2, 2024
Miyazaki Airport has a notable historical connection to World War II, with its airfield having been used by Japanese forces during the final stages of the war. This fact, along with the presence of kamikaze training units, makes the discovery of unexploded bombs in the region unsurprising. However, their presence continues to serve as a reminder of the long-lasting effects of the conflict.
The airport explosion recalls previous similar incidents in Japan, where unexploded ordnance has been found at various construction sites or in rural areas. Each discovery sparks concerns about public safety, and in many cases, bomb disposal units are called in to safely neutralize the threats. However, accidental detonations like the one at Miyazaki Airport underscore the lingering dangers posed by these forgotten relics.
Authorities are working quickly to repair the damage, and local officials have assured the public that necessary precautions are being taken to prevent further incidents. Though it caused significant inconvenience for passengers, the absence of injuries has been a relief. The Japanese government, which routinely monitors areas for such dangers, will likely increase inspections in response to the explosion.
Japan’s history with unexploded bombs is extensive, given the heavy bombing campaigns by the Allies during World War II. While Japan has made great strides in clearing these remnants of war, incidents like the Miyazaki Airport explosion show that the process is far from complete. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of the conflict on both infrastructure and civilian life today.
