In darker camouflage than standard, this is one of 17 F-4EJs which were converted for reconnaissance, of which about five remained in use along with around eight original RF-4Es

After retirement by the resident 501 Hikotai, this reconnaissance Phantom was preserved along with a grey F-4 outside the Iberaki airport terminal

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]

First public appearance of this 501 Hikotai recon Phantom in its unique ocean camouflage, similar to that carried by the Mitsubishi F-2s