National / Science & Health Dec 29, 2020
U.S. Forces Japan begins vaccinating personnel against COVID-19
Inoculations began Monday at the Yokota Air Base, with front-line medical workers prioritized to receive the vaccine.
National / Crime & Legal Dec 12, 2020
Top court orders Japan to pay damages over U.S. base noise pollution
The decision finalizes a high court ruling ordering the state to pay around ¥768 million in damages over noise pollution to some residents living near the Yokota base.
National Sep 4, 2020
Yokota Air Base showcases U.S. military's commitment to new COVID-19 normal
by Tomohiro Osaki
The base in western Tokyo, which is home to around 12,000 people, has adopted a rigorous program of measures to isolate any novel coronavirus infections.
National Mar 28, 2020
Flying low: The battle over Tokyo’s airspace
by Osamu Tsukimori
Haneda Airport’s new flight paths commence despite concerns from aviation experts and public opposition.
National / Crime & Legal May 22, 2019
Man nabbed for pointing laser at U.S. military plane in Tokyo suburb
Police said Wednesday they have arrested a man on suspicion of aiming a laser pointer at a U.S. military aircraft flying in the vicinity of Yokota Air Base in the suburbs of Tokyo. Yoshinori Shigekawa, 60, was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly forcing U.S. military ...
National Apr 22, 2019
U.S. may back commercial use of Yokota base during 2020 Tokyo Olympics, top officer says
A top commander of U.S. Forces Japan backed the idea Monday of allowing commercial aircraft to use the U.S. military's Yokota Air Base, located in the suburbs of Tokyo, during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. "We will support it a hundred percent" if ...
National Feb 5, 2019
New commander of U.S. forces in Japan says rapid response is key for alliance
The United States and Japan need to maintain a strong security alliance to quickly respond to any threat in the Asia-Pacific region, the new commander of U.S. Forces Japan said Tuesday. "Because of the clear threats to peace and security in this region, we must ...
National Dec 18, 2018
Japan set to control commercial flight routes in U.S. military airspace over Tokyo
Japan is set to agree with the United States that it will control new commercial flight routes in the U.S. military-controlled airspace near Tokyo's Haneda airport, officials said Tuesday. "We are in the final phase of negotiations with the United States," transport minister Keiichi Ishii ...
National / Politics Aug 22, 2018
U.S. military to deploy five Ospreys to Yokota Air Base near Tokyo in October
The U.S. military will deploy five Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft to Yokota Air Base in the suburbs of Tokyo on Oct. 1 as part of a plan to introduce a total of 10 Ospreys to the base over several years, the Defense Ministry said Wednesday. While ...
National Apr 11, 2018
U.S. military halts parachute training after Tokyo school mishap
Local authorities lodged a protest Wednesday with the central government and the U.S. military after a U.S. Air Force member's parachute fell onto the grounds of a school near Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo the day before. "It could have been a life-threatening incident" ...
National / Politics Feb 8, 2018
Amid Olympic detente, Pence talks tough
by Tomohiro Osaki
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence talks up the Japan-U.S. alliance and Washington’s resolve to dismantle North Korea’s arsenal, during a visit to Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo.
National / Crime & Legal Oct 11, 2017
Government ordered to pay damages over aircraft noise at U.S. Yokota base
A court orders the government to pay damages to residents around the U.S. Yokota Air Base over aircraft noise while dismissing the plaintiffs’ calls to halt some flights.