Video: World War II-era ‘anti-Kamikaze’ bomb explodes at Japan airport, 87 flights cancelled – Times of India

A regional airport in southwest Japan was closed on Wednesday after the explosion of what is believed to be a World War Two-era bomb near its runway, leading to the cancellation of nearly 90 flights.
Miyazaki Airport suspended operations when the blast created a crater seven meters wide and one meter deep on the taxiway adjacent to the runway, according to an official from the Japanese transport ministry.
A bomb disposal team from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force later confirmed that the explosion was caused by an American bomb, likely dropped during an air raid to prevent “kamikaze” attacks during the war. The bomb had been buried beneath the surface for decades, the official added.
Although no injuries were reported, local broadcaster MRT shared live footage showing that an airplane had been taxiing just two minutes before the explosion occurred.
As a result of the incident, 87 flights were grounded, but Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi assured that there is no risk of further explosions. Repairs to the damaged area are expected to be completed by Thursday morning.
The affected flights included those operated by Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), and other carriers connecting Miyazaki to major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka.
Miyazaki Airport, located on the southeastern coast of Kyushu island, was previously a Japanese navy base during World War Two, from where many kamikaze pilots embarked on their final missions, according to the Miyazaki city website.
This is not the first time unexploded bombs have been found at the airport. The transport ministry noted that remnants of wartime airstrikes are still discovered across Japan, despite the war ending over 79 years ago. In fiscal year 2023 alone, 2,348 bombs weighing a total of 37.5 tonnes were safely disposed of by the Self-Defense Forces.

What is ‘Kamikaze bomber’

A kamikaze bomber refers to a Japanese military pilot who deliberately carried out suicide missions during World War II, particularly in the latter stages of the war. The term “kamikaze” comes from the Japanese words “kami” (meaning divine or god) and “kaze” (meaning wind), translating to “divine wind.” Kamikaze pilots intentionally crashed their planes, often laden with explosives, into enemy ships or targets, sacrificing their lives in an effort to inflict maximum damage.
The kamikaze tactic was primarily used by the Japanese Imperial Navy and Air Force against Allied naval vessels, especially during the Battle of Okinawa and other Pacific Theater battles. These missions were seen as a last resort as Japan’s military resources dwindled, and they aimed to slow down the advancing Allied forces.
The kamikaze strategy became a symbol of extreme sacrifice, as pilots were typically young men who were willing to die for the cause, viewing their missions as an honourable duty to defend their country.
Kamikaze strikes against Allied warships continued throughout World War II. Kamikaze pilots deliberately crashed specially made planes directly into enemy warships, which resulted in suicide. It was a desperate policy.