It seems that in pre-war days there was a small park called
Inariyama-koen (Fox Mountain Park). I imagine in those days the area was mostly rice fields and the park was the most significant landmark. So when a railway station was built, it took the Inariyama-koen name, but the park was more than a kilometer from the station.
After the war, the Japanese Air Force Base at Iruma became Johnson AB. There was a need for additional housing and vacant land adjacent to Inariyama-koen was developed. This area was known as Hyde Park. The land was owned by the city of Saiyama and several individual landlords. Hyde Park was constructed by about 1951 and at that time cherry blossom and pine trees were planted, as these trees represented Japan to the American residents. There are 300 cherry trees in the park.
In about 1970, Johnson AB was turned over to the JASDF (Japan Air Self Defense Force). However, Hyde Park was not officially part of Johnson AB and at least by 1976 it became a public park - the 30 or so homes and buildings were vacant.
Hyde Park was known as Hyde Park in the region, but because it was literally opposite Inariyama-koen station, it was generally known as Inariyama-koen - and this is how I knew the park.
In April, 2002 the ownership of the land in Hyde Park was transferred to Saitama Prefecture. To mark this transfer, the park was given a new name, Saiyama - Inariyama Koen, and it was decided to tear down the old buildings because the cost of up-keep was too high.
Fortunately, I had visited the park several times prior to this and had taken some photos of the homes and the fire station with the Johnson AB sign. (I'm searching for these photos!)
There's a modern and not very attractive building in the park and I always thought that it was just a coffee shop. It turns out that the building includes a regional museum. They have a book of then and now photographs and there are about a dozen relating to the base or Hyde Park as well as many from the surrounding area. Lots of photos from
the 50s/60s contrasted with the way things look today. I'll gladly send you a copy of the book, if you'd like - my Xmas present!
Lastly, I haven't been there yet, but it seems that near the park there's a place called Nick's Steak House and this was the place to go in Johnson's heyday. There are said to be many old photos on the walls. I'll go there soon to check it out. And I'll soon visit the Pacific Star and Stripes archives.
No part of this may be used with out the permission of Allan Murphy
Thank you Allan for this information on Johnson Air Base, Japan
