Japan Air Self Defense Force Colonel Mikio Kobayashi talks Bombing of Darwin, Australian relations

As Japanese jets fly across Darwin for Exercise Pitch Black 24, a senior commander reflected on Japanese-Australians and has revealed the quiet visit his troops made to a local memorial. See pictures from the latest air force events.

Japanese Air Self Defense Force Colonel Mikio Kobayashi spoke to the NT News, discussing the Bombing of Darwin and Exercise Pitch Black 24. Picture: Harry Brill.

Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) Colonel Mikio Kobayashi understands the significance of Japanese fighter jets soaring across the Darwin skies.

While most international commanders arrived for flying activity Exercise Pitch Black 24 fixated on their pilots dominating the dogfights overhead, Colonel Kobayashi identified an important objective outside the cockpit.

In 1942, Japanese forces bombed Darwin, which claimed more than 230 Australian lives, destroying ships, buildings and key infrastructure throughout the town in an attempt to cripple the Allies’ Pacific campaign.

Darwin was bombed by the Japanese during the Second World War.

Led by the architect behind the Pearl Harbour attack, Command Mitsuo Fuchida, the attack also resulted in the loss of four Japanese aircraft – two Val dive bombers and two Zeke fighters, with one surviving pilot becoming the first prisoner of war taken on Australian land, when he was captured by Tiwi man Matthias Ulungura on Melville Island.

Darwin’s historical military significance was not lost on Colonel Kobayashi, who revealed his troops had made a special effort to pay their respects at the Bombing of Darwin memorial.

“Last week we went up to pray and express our gratitude at the Bombing of Darwin memorial,” he said.

“This week, we will return to clean up the memorial.”

Colonel Mikio Kobayashi says Australia and Japan have a “deep friendship”.

Colonel Kobayashi told the NT News he appreciated the “very important” relationship between Australia and Japan.

“Of course, about 70 years ago we fought each other but now, after World War II, we have a deep friendship and know each other well,” he said.

“It’s very useful for security and peace in our environment.”

Colonel Kobayashi’s grandfather died in the war while fighting in China – information he had to learn through his own research.

“In Japan, it’s not good behaviour to talk about World War II, so I didn’t know the details of how my grandfather died or why he joined the Army until I found a photo and started to learn.”

The Japanese F-2A attracted plenty of interest at the RAAF Base Darwin Open Day.

An aspiring astronaut growing up, Colonel Kobayashi joined the JASDF 35 years ago and begun his career as an F4 Phantom pilot, which he hailed as his “favourite” jet.

No longer in service, the F4 Phantom was replaced by the F-2A fighter, which has become a familiar sight for Territorians since joining Exercise Pitch Black.

Last weekend, jet enthusiasts enjoyed a close-up look of the Mitsubishi design at RAAF Base Darwin’s Open Day, which drew 30,000 excited visitors.

Colonel Kobayashi said he appreciated the positive reception by locals.

“I love my job and I’m proud of my country.”

National pride was a sentiment enjoyed by many at the event, with national flags waving above the assortment of fighter jets lined up alongside each other.

Air Commodore Micka Gray said he was pleased international guests could interact with the locals.

Royal Australian Air Force Air Commodore Micka Gray said there was a positive international presence at the event.

“It’s great to see everyone here from all around the world,” he said.

“And our international guests here are really keen to show off their aircraft and talk to everyone.”

Air Commodore Micka Gray said he hoped young people would draw inspiration from their interactions with various pilots and aviation professionals at the event.

“It’s really pleasing to see so many young people here today, they can see our military on display, they can talk to people, air ground crews, all sorts of different jobs and get a real understanding what life in the military is like.”

A US MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor.

An Italian AV-8B Harrier on display.

An Australian Army ARH-90 Tiger helicopter.

Thousands flocked for the Exercise Pitch Black 2024 Open Day, held at RAAF Base Darwin.

The crowds continued throughout the day.

The scale of the airframes was hard to miss.

Long lines snaked across the tarmac, with jet enthusiasts keen to get an inside look of the aircraft of on display.

The Bartolome family enjoying the jets.

The rear view of a Japanese F-2A jet.

Indian air force merchandise was in high demand.

The German Luftwaffe had huge numbers of visitors check out its airframes.

Indian aviators standing before their Su-30MKI Flanker jet.