Although based on and similar in appearance to the Lockheed Martin F-16, Japan's F-2A is substantially bigger. 94 production aircraft were built but 12 were lost in the 2011 tsunami at Misawa AB in the north. Tsuiki in the far south is the only other base housing an F-2A unit, 6 Hikotai. Two of their aircraft are seen here taxiing back in on the quay where runway 07 extends out into the water

The code indicates this helo's unit is the 3 Taisensha Herikoputatai (Anti-Tank Helicopter Squadron) at nearby Metabaru. The OH-6s are operated for headquarters (Honbu Zukitai). [Nikon F90X, Fuji Provia 100F]

Withdrawn from use in the second half of 2004 but still looking very smart, and able to perform. [Nikon F100, Fuji Provia 100F]

Another great Mitsubishi fighter that looks ready for its next mission. Unfortunately, the last one had already passed. [Nikon F100, Fuji Provia 100F]

Closing down after the demonstration. The ground members of the team work as tightly synchronised as those who perform in the air. 'JASDF 50th' badge in front of the Blue Impulse logo. [Nikon F100, Fuji Provia 100F]

You have to come a long way when looking for a special colour scheme, if a three-tone camouflage with big Woody Woodpecker badges is your normal outfit. And so they did, 501 Hikotai did not let the 'JASDF 50th' pass unnoticed. [Nikon F100, Fuji Provia 100F]

In 2002, Tsuiki was home to the only F-1 squadron in the world: 6 Hikotai.

The F-2 program, which ended in Sept 2011, was controversial because the unit cost was roughly four times that of the F-16 on which it was based. This is despite a 40/60% cost sharing split between the USA and Japan. An impressive machine to see anyway