Replica Zero Makes Appearance at Planes of Fame Air Show

This last weekend of May 6-7th 2017 saw the 60th anniversary of the Planes of Fame Air Show. It is one of the premiere vintage war bird airshows in the world. It is one of the only airshows where you can see up to two Japanese A6M Riesen Zero fighter planes that actually fly including one that is 100% original complete with its Sakae 12 engine. But this year saw the addition of a 3rd Zero that for reasons not stated did not fly.

This particular A6M3 Model 22 Zero is somewhat of a curiosity. It's tail code is A1-112. This plane was last seen flying over Kumamoto Japan to help uplift the spirits there after the recent natural disaster there.

There was no sign or any owner present that could tell us anything about this plane except for this small flyer written in Kanji taped to one of the propeller blades so we did some research. 

According to the Pacific Wrecks website, they noted that there have been some false claims including having been recovered from a wreck in Papua New Guinea in the late 1980's and another stating it had been built by Mitsubishi in 1943. But it turns out this was one of three replica Zeros that were built in Russia during the 1990's for the Santa Monica Museum of Flight. 

So as the story goes, this replica Zero which is powered by a Pratt & Whitney engine was constructed for around $300,000.00 USD. Mind you, that's 1990's money. She was last sold for $1.9 million USD. It is currently under private ownership and is said to be based in Mojave California.

While it is not a true original, it still retains the aesthetic of Jiro Hirokoshi's vision and remains a delight for Zero fans world wide despite not having it's familiar yellow stripe painted on it's forward on its wing.

We hope to see her fly in formation with her two original older cousins at a future.

 

Until then please enjoy this footage we found of this plane flying in Japan.

Kumamoto Disaster Relief: JMSDF Hyuga in Action

On April 19th following the Kumamoto Quakes, Japan's JMSDF deployed it's "Helicopter Destroyer" Hyuga (DDH-181) to assist in disaster relief operations. The following photos show a USMC V-22 tilt-rotor Osprey landing on the Hyuga's deck to deliver additional supplies. 

USMC V-22 on approach.

 "Call your ball!"

Seen here: Hyuga's crew offloads relief from the USMC V-22 on Hyuga's deck. Other JMSDF ships including the much larger "Helicopter Destroyer" Izumo (DD-183) are being deployed along with U.S. Navy ships to help in relief efforts. We at American Mishima support these efforts to help the people of Kumamoto. Ganbatte Kudasai!

Kumamoto Quake: Aso Jinja Destruction

Seen here is the Romon (Gate) of the Aso Shrine in all its magnificent splendor as it looked prior to the Kumamoto Earthquakes. As you may have heard, the Aso Shrine which is one of the oldest Shinto Shrines in Japan suffered extensive damage leaving most of the complex in complete ruin. Shrines have been rebuilt before but this will be a long undertaking. The following photo shows how the Romon looks now. 

Terrible is it not?

Here's the Haiden ( Hall of Worship) before.

Here it is again after the Kumamoto Quakes. 

According to sources, both the Romon and Haiden collapsed at the same time around 1:23am Saturday April 16th. We at American Mishima are both saddened by the loss of life and the destruction of such cultural treasures. While the Shrines, Temples, and Castles can be rebuilt, the lives lost can not be recovered. We will continue to pray for the people of Japan.

U.S. Marines to the Rescue in Kumamoto

Seen here in this photo by Cpl. Jessica Collins USMC are V-22 Ospreys of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265,  31st Marine Expeditionary Unit preparing to lift off from their base at Futenma Air Station to assist the Japan's SDF in Earthquake Relief efforts. Much like the efforts of Operation Tomodachi in the days following the Tohoku Disaster on 3/11, American Military Units throughout Japan are lending a helping hand to the people stricken by the earthquakes that have hit the area in and around Kumamoto Prefecture.

As of late, some 42 people are reported dead from the two powerful earthquakes and some 110,000 people have been forced to evacuate. With American help, the SDF will be able to reach villages and other areas inaccessible by roads due to earthquake damage. We at American Mishima will continue to pray for the People affected by this disaster and hope relief comes to them soon.