On Wednesday, an unexploded U.S. bomb from World War II detonated at Miyazaki Airport in southwestern Japan, creating a substantial crater on a taxiway and leading to the cancellation of over 80 flights. Despite the dramatic occurrence, no injuries were reported, and no aircraft were present during the blast.

Details of the explosion

The explosion, which left a hole approximately seven meters (23 feet) in diameter, is believed to have originated from a bomb aimed at halting “kamikaze” suicide missions during the war.

“There is no threat of a second explosion, and police and firefighters are currently examining the scene,” stated Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, confirming that efforts are underway to reopen the airport by Thursday.

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Official confirmation and historical context

A bomb disposal unit from Japan’s Self-Defense Forces identified the explosive as a 500-pound U.S. bomb. While the exact timing of the bomb’s deployment remains unconfirmed, local media suggest it dates back to World War II.

Miyazaki Airport, situated on the southeastern tip of Kyushu Island, originally served as an imperial Japanese navy base when it was established in 1943. Previous discoveries of unexploded ordnance in the vicinity were made in 2009 and 2011.

Ongoing challenges

Unexploded bombs are not uncommon in Japan, with the country addressing the remnants of past conflicts regularly. According to Reuters, 2,348 bombs weighing 41 tonnes were safely disposed of in 2023 alone.

The incident underscores the enduring legacy of World War II and the ongoing efforts required to ensure public safety in areas still affected by unexploded ordnance.