Key Facts
• August 7, 2025: F-35B fighter jets deployed to Nyutabaru Air Base, Miyazaki.
• Three jets performed vertical and slow-speed landings, causing significant noise.
• 50 residents protested with signs reading “No to F-35B Deployment.”
• Local leader Kunio Kawano noted vertical landings caused prolonged, intense noise.
• Mayor Takashi Kojima emphasized the need for noise mitigation near the base.
• 2024 court ruling confirmed compensation for noise-related damages.
• Noise levels during vertical landings exceeded those of standard landings.
• Aircraft enthusiasts gathered near the base, while others voiced strong opposition.
• Protester Tsukasa Ebihara opposed deployment, citing concerns for future generations.
Summary
The deployment of advanced F-35B stealth fighter jets to Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki on August 7, 2025, has raised significant concerns among local residents due to noise pollution. The jets performed vertical and slow-speed landings, which generated louder and more prolonged noise compared to standard landings. Approximately 50 residents protested near the base, holding signs opposing the deployment. Local leaders, including Kunio Kawano and Mayor Takashi Kojima, highlighted the need for immediate noise mitigation measures, particularly for areas close to the base. A 2024 court ruling had already confirmed compensation for noise-related damages, underscoring the ongoing issue. While aviation enthusiasts gathered to witness the jets, many residents expressed fears for their quality of life and the impact on future generations. Protester Tsukasa Ebihara voiced strong opposition, emphasizing the need to protect children and grandchildren from the effects of the deployment.
