Residents of Tokyo have expressed concerns as U.S. military Black Hawk helicopters consistently fly at low altitudes over the city, raising questions about safety and operational transparency. These helicopters, stationed at Camp Zama, located south of Tokyo, are often seen maneuvering above densely populated areas, including the busy Shinjuku Station.
According to the Mainichi Shimbun, these Black Hawks frequently conduct flights below the Civil Aeronautics Act's mandated minimum altitude of 300 meters over crowded areas. The main purpose of these helicopters includes transporting political VIPs and military personnel. They were previously utilized by Vice President Kamala Harris during her visit to Japan back in 2022.
Regular missions involve training exercises executed under the cover of secrecy. The investigation from Mainichi Shimbun, which commenced in 2020, thoroughly examined the flight patterns of these aircraft and their operations around one of the world’s largest cities.
Notably, these helicopters are often landing at the heliport atop the Akasaka Press Center, located within the Roppongi district. From there, they take off on flights above the city, reportedly viewed as necessary for training purposes. The Mainichi Shimbun reported, "Those craft often land at the heliport on top of the Akasaka Press Center... and take off on flights above central Tokyo believed to be training exercises." Such flights have raised safety concerns among local citizens.
One alarming aspect of their operations is their altitude, particularly over landmarks and entire neighborhoods. Reports indicate, "The U.S. military craft frequently make passes above the densely crowded Shinjuku Station at altitudes lower than the minimum 300 meters above buildings as stipulated for crowded areas." This potential disregard for safety regulations has caught the attention of aviation experts and concerned residents.
Operational patterns reveal more about these helicopters, as they perform circular training flights over Tokyo Bay and conduct training exercises at the Yokohama North Dock facility. This extensive operational area includes both the urban capital and coastal regions, enhancing the complexity and risks associated with their low-altitude flights. The Mainichi Shimbun notes, "The U.S. military also conducts takeoff and landing training at the Yokohama North Dock..." demonstrating the breadth of their activities.
Compounding the worries is the introduction of new airline routes to Haneda Airport back in 2020, which now allow commercial airliners to operate at lower altitudes. This coinciding development prompts experts to assess the increased risk factors posed by the simultaneous flights of civilian and military aircraft within the same airspace. The Mainichi reported, "The opening of a new approach route to Haneda Airport... allowed passenger aircraft to make low-altitude flights over the city." This leads to concerns about potential conflicts and accidents.
Local advocates are calling for greater transparency and accountability from the U.S. military concerning these regular flights. They argue for stricter adherence to safety regulations, citing the disturbing tendency for Black Hawk helicopters to frequently transgress prescribed altitudes.
The supportive evidence for these concerns includes the extensive investigative series by the Mainichi Shimbun, which includes videos and expert interviews aiming to shed light on the operational practices of U.S. forces over Japanese airspace. Their coverage has become increasingly accessible to the public, fostering discussion about the safety of Tokyo’s residents.
U.S. military personnel stationed at Camp Zama have often been referred to as "ninjas" within their ranks, reflecting the somewhat covert nature of their operations. This nickname has emerged amid reports of their activities being conducted at all hours, contributing to the sense of unease among those living under their flight paths. The findings from The Mainichi's investigations not only highlight public safety concerns but also the dynamics between U.S. military operations and local air regulations.
With increasing scrutiny on military activities across the globe, the low-flying Black Hawks over Tokyo serve as both a potential safety hazard and case study of U.S. military operations abroad. Residents hope for clearer communication and cooperation between military officials and local authorities to address the growing concern and safeguard their community.