Japan to Host US MQ-9s at MSDF Base in Kyushu

 

NHK reported on January 25, 2022, that US. drones to be deployed and based at S. drones to be deployed and based at Kanoya Air Base in southern Japan to watch Chinese maritime activities.

The Japanese and U.S. governments are considering deploying U.S. military drones to the Maritime Self-Defense Force's Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima Prefecture for the first time in order to strengthen their surveillance of China's growing maritime ambitions.

The Japanese and U.S. governments agreed to increase the joint use of facilities between the two countries at the so-called "two plus two" foreign and defense ministerial talks held this month, with China's increasing maritime expansion in the Southwest Islands and other areas in mind.

Specifically, it is envisioned that about seven MQ-9 will be deployed, with about 100 American military personnel assigned to their operation and maintenance.

This is the first time that U.S. drones will be deployed at a Self-Defense Force base, and both Tokyo and Washington hope to have a representative visit the base next month to inspect the conditions of the hangar and accommodation facilities.

The Ministry of Defense will soon explain the situation to the local mayor and ask for his cooperation.

Kanoya Air Base is located in southern Kyushu to watch southwestern area 

First U.S. drone to be deployed at SDF base, Kanoya air base considered

January 26, 2022 5:16 AM Self-Defense Force

JAL's New Security System; You Don't Need to Take Out Your Laptop from Bag, Anymore

 Engadget Japan reported a new security system at the airport for Japan Airlines checkpoints to relieve stress of long waiting for security clearance.

Above. An image of Smart Security incorporating UV sterilization of baggage trays 

Japan Airlines will introduce the Smart Security, using X-ray CT technology, a new type of security inspection at all JAL’s domestic security checkpoints at Tokyo Haneda Airport. The new system will make it possible to inspect passengers’ luggages while keeping laptops or liquid inside.

The X-ray CT inspection system uses a three-dimensional image of the baggage for X-ray inspection, so there is no need to take out  anything from bags.

In addition, three individual preparation tables will be set up per lane, and ready passengers will proceed to security inspection earlier, thereby shortening the waiting time.

In addition, the lanes will be equipped with UV sterilization equipment to provide passengers with security inspection trays that are up to 99.9% sterilized.

Installation of all the systems will begin in late January at security checkpoints B, C, E, and F at domestic flights at Haneda, and the system will be gradually become operational at each security checkpoint after April, with the goal of completing the installation by August

Japan Airlines special charter flight to watch the very first sunrise over Mt. Fuji, again this year

Toraberu Watch reported an annual morning flight by JAL  in the early morning of January 1 to see the very first sunrise, a sign believed to bring in fortune of the new year,  for selected passengers. 

Toraberu Watch

 

On January 1, 2022, Japan Airlines　 conducted the　annual "First Sunrise Hatsu Fuji Flight" to view the New Year's very first sunrise on board, The flight departed from Tokyo-Haneda.

This year again, 256 people (plus one infant) were selected by lottery from applicants as many as five times the number of available seats. The lucky passengers gathered at Haneda in the early morning.

For the first time, an Airbus A350-900 (registration number: JA13XJ) with 12 first class seats and 94 Class J seats was chartered for the first sunrise flight. The flight number was JL4101, named after New Year's Day 2022 or Reiwa 4 according to Japanese designation of the year.

The aircraft took off Haneda before sunrise at 5:46 a.m. and reached the Southern Alps at just after 6:10 a.m., where it was put on standby, and after enjoying the contrast between the brightening sky and Mt. Fuji, and then watched the sunrise at 6:41 a.m. The aircraft circled several times to provide passengers on both sides of the plane with a dynamic view of the sunrise, and the participants enjoyed taking pictures with their cameras. After that, the aircraft flew north toward Ibaraki and then turned around, landing at Haneda at 7:51.

Passengers were given Osechi-style lunch boxes and tea in thick tote bags, sake and masu, and red and white manju (steamed buns). There were also many gifts at the reception, including origami cranes, luggage tags, original key chains made by mechanics, New Year's cards with handwritten messages, mini model planes (for those who presented proof of vaccination or negative test results), and boarding certificates.

 

Special meal, drinks and novelties handed to passengers on board

JAL's 2022 New Year's Sunrise Flight. Airbus A350 with first class & view of  the year’s first sunrise for the best start of New Year!

Editor: Toshiya Matsumoto

January 1, 2022 09:34

https://travel.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1378078.html

Translated and edited by the editor