Japan Air Self-Defense Force's 58-1219

58-1219 (msn 019), a C-2 from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's 402 Hikotai, will be participating in a joint exercise with the 154th Wing / 15th Wing from 08 February to 13 February.

Information in this JASDF news release.

Japan Air Self-Defense Force's 58-1218

58-1218 (msn 018), a Kawasaki C-2 from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's 402 Hikotai, is making a stop at HIK this evening from YGJ [Miho Air Base, Yonago, Tottori-ken, Japan] as JF201.

06 December 2026 UPDATE

58-1218 departed for STJ [Rosecrans Memorial Airport, Saint Joseph, MO] as JF201.

19 December 2025 UPDATE

58-1218 returned to HIK today from FHU [Fort Huachaca, Sierra Vista, AZ] as JF201.

JASDF's 08-1212

08-1212 (msn 12), a Kawasaki C-2 of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, is making a stop at HNL for training flights. The medium-heavy transport is assigned to the 403rd Tactical Airlift Squadron / 3rd Tactical Airlift Group, based at YGJ [Miho Airbase / Yonago Airport]. It's flying as JF403, and arrived from YGJ, with a stop at OKO, this morning.

JASDF's 74-3503

Making an appearance in Honolulu was one of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's E-767-27CER. 74-3503 (msn 28016, l/n 618). It belongs to the 602nd Airborne Early Warning Squadron out of Hamamatsu Airbase, Shizuoka Japan.

JASDF's 20-1102

Japan Air Self-Defense Force's 20-1102 (c/n 24731, l/n 839), a 747-47C VIP transport for the nation's prime minister, arrived this morning from Tokyo. It flew in Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and his staff, as he will visit various sites around O‘ahu, including the USS Arizona Memorial with US President Barack Obama on December 27th.

Some Not So HNL RareBirds

I had the splendid chance of attending the 2014 Iruma Airshow in Saitama, Japan this past November 3rd. This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the Japan Air Self Defense Force. The highlight of any airshow would be the performance done by the local military groups and Japan was no exception. The JASDF's Blue Impulse, flying Kawasaki T-4s wowed the enthusiastic crowd of more than 200,000 people that attended that day. Other aerial demonstrations where performed by Iruma's 2nd Tactical Airlift Wing flying Kawasaki C-1s and a U-4, the Air Defense Command HQ Flight Group in their YS-11, U-125 and Kawasaki T-4s, JASDF's Air Rescue Wing with their U-125A and UH-60J, and the Base's Helicopter Airlift Corps flying the CH-47J.  I was impressed at how the audience oohed and awed at the maneuvers the various display groups performed. This was one of the main highlights of my Japan trip! I hope to make it out there for more JDM metal soon!

JASDF's 64-3502

This JASDF AWACS E-767 (767-2CER) is the last of four to receive radar system upgrades from Boeing. 64-3502 (c/n 27390, l/n 588) is seen above being prepped for its return flight to Hamamatsu Air Base, Japan.

JASDF C-130H

Far from home, a Japan Air Self Defense Force C-130H lifts off of Runway 8L. 75-1077 (c/n 382-5018) belongs to the 401st Hikotai from Komaki Airbase, Nagoya (RJNA) Japan.

JASDF's 64-3501

For a second time this week another JASDF AWACS E-767 (767-27CER) visited Honolulu. 64-3501 (s/n 27358, l/n 557) departed this morning. Sister-ship 86-3504 was seen a few days ago. This E-767 is headed to BFI for upgrades.

JASDF's 84-3504

One of Japan Air Self Defense Force's four AWACS E-767s (767-27CERs) is making its return flight to Japan after recently receiving radar system upgrades from Boeing. 84-3504 (c/n 28017, l/n 642) is based out of Hamamatsu Air Base (RJNH), and was delivered new to the JASDF in January of 1998.

3-day visit of the Emperor and Empress of Japan

After an official visit to Canada, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko stopped over in Hawaii on July 14 for a 3 day visit. This meant that the Japanese government's 2 747-400s also visited Hawaii. The aircraft, known as Japanese Air Force One and Japanese Air Force Two, are registered 20-1101 and 20-1102.

The first aircraft (20-1102), flying as JAG001, landed at HNL with the royal couple around 14:45 and taxied over to Hickam. The second aircraft (20-1101) came in as JAG002 and landed around 15:17. The picture above is of JAG002 taxiing to Hickam.

Earlier today, the Emperor and Empress flew to KOA for a short visit to the Parker Ranch before leaving for HND.