When Central Japan International Airport in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, opens Thursday, it hopes to become the nation's main international air freight hub.
To succeed, experts say the new Chubu airport will have to host a large volume of international cargo flights and lower its landing fees.
"Our target is to win back the cargo originating in the Chubu region that is being handled by Narita and Kansai airports," said Yasuo Takayanagi, an official at Chubu airport's Tokyo office.