On July 25, 1925, two Breguet 19A2 aircraft, the "初風" (Hatsukaze - The First Wind; civilian registration: J-KIKU) and "東風" (Kochikaze - Eastern Wind; civilian registration: J-KIRI) of the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, took off from Yoyogi Parade Ground to the cheers of many government officials and citizens, embarking on their grand journey to Europe.
Their crew consisted of:
"Hatsukaze": Pilot-Abe Hiroshi (Overall Leader), Engineer-Shinohara Shunichiro
"Kochikaze": Pilot-Kawachi Kazuhiko, Engineer-Katagiri Shohei
The two aircraft traveled from Tokyo to Osaka, Kyushu, Korea, and Manchuria, crossing the Siberian continent and overcoming numerous difficulties before arriving in Moscow on August 23, where they received a warm welcome.
Then, they reached Berlin on September 18 and Paris on September 28, receiving enthusiastic welcomes for this remarkable feat, including from the aircraft manufacturer Breguet and the engine manufacturer Lorraine. They then continued on to London, Brussels, and Rome, before returning to Japan on November 29 from Marseille aboard the NYK Line's Kashima Maru, receiving widespread acclaim from the Japanese people in January 1926.
These aircraft were purchased and assembled by Nakajima Aircraft Company through Mitsui & Co. at the request of the Asahi Shimbun.
A few more Breguet 19A were produced besides these two, but they did not become fully adopted by the military or civilian authorites or massively produced aircraft and were used as communication and mail aircraft for the Asahi Shimbun newspaper.
"Hatsukaze" crew: Abe Hiroshi left (pilot&overall leader), Shinohara Shunichiro right (engineer)
"Kochikaze" crew: Kawachi Kazuhiko left (pilot), Katagiri Shohei right (engineer)
Beautiful artwork by Koike Shigeo
If you want to read a more detailed account of the adventure flight of the two Breaguet 19A2, J-KIKU "Hatsukaze" & J-KIRI "Kochikaze", as well as other equally fascinating articles, check out issue #13 of our magazine; HERE.
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