What's happened
A World War II-era bomb exploded at Miyazaki Airport in Japan on October 2, 2024, creating a large crater in a taxiway. The incident led to the cancellation of over 80 flights, but no injuries were reported. The airport resumed operations the following morning.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, the explosion was caused by a 500-pound U.S. bomb, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirming that no aircraft were nearby during the incident. The Japan Times noted that the airport had previously been a base for kamikaze pilots, emphasizing the historical significance of the site. The Guardian highlighted the ongoing issue of unexploded ordnance in Japan, stating that hundreds of tons remain buried and are occasionally discovered during construction projects. This incident serves as a reminder of the war's lasting impact on contemporary Japan.
How we got here
Miyazaki Airport, originally an Imperial Japanese Navy base, has a history of unexploded ordnance from World War II. The recent explosion was caused by a buried American bomb, highlighting ongoing risks from wartime remnants in Japan.
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World War II, also known as the Second World War, was a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all the great powers—forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis.
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Yoshimasa Hayashi is a Japanese politician who currently serves as Minister for Foreign Affairs since November 2021. He is serving in the House of Councillors in the Diet as a member of the Liberal Democratic Party, Koga Faction.
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