Main Battle Tanks in JGSDF Public Information Center
In early September 2016, I went to The Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) Public Information Center Rikkunland (陸上自衛隊広報センター りっくんランド) because I want to see and touch real tanks so bad. Without visiting the page Museums in Japan I may probably don’t know this place. It was a bright shiny day and after more than a half hour walk from Wakoshi Station, unlike the ’20 mins work’ as the official page says, my companions and I finally arrived.
And then I couldn’t help rushing to the Event Hall. Pictures speak louder than words:
Type-74 Tank & Type-10 Tank
Type-74 105mm self-propelled howitzer
Type 75 155mm self-propelled howitzer
So I skipped the helicopters and other vehicles — except this, the Type-89 armored combat vehicle nicknamed ‘Light Tiger’ in Japanese (ライトタイガー）:
Type-89 armored combat vehicle
So, going back to the 1st floor, there is a gunner of Type 90’s primary sight periscope!
And I played the shooting simulator — driving the tank Type 90 to shoot. Finally I made 12 kills with 3 shots bounced.
And then there is a passage about Type 10, military food and military equipment.
The 2nd floor displays about the history.
Lastly I bought a can and a toy tank.
Lastly I bought a can and a toy tank.
If I had more time I could have tried dressing in camouflage gear for an hour to took better pictures with the lovely tanks, wearing the 12kg bulletproof vest, and went to the 3D theater to see the training of the Defense Army.
Additionally, when there are events, visitors can drive (ride on?) tanks, go to the underground base, experience the fight simulator etc.
Information
- Name: JGSDF Public Information Center (Rikkunland)
- Address: Oizumi Gakuen-cho Nerima-ku, Tokyo
- Opening Hours: 10am — 5pm (Closed on Monday & the fourth Tuesday; Remember to check the calendar)
- Free Admission.
March 12, 2017
Article from TankGift: https://tankgift.weebly.com/blog/seeing-japanese-tanks-in-tokyo-main-battle-tanks-type-10-type-74-and-more
