The branch of the Imperial Japanese Army Air School at Shimoshizu Airfield was established in April 1921 in what is now Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture. In May 1924, it became the Shimoshizu Army Aviation School, directly overseen by the Chief of the Army Aviation Department, and conducted comprehensive training for reconnaissance and aerial photography. This aerial photograph was taken by the school in 1941 from above the area of the Prince Asaka Residence. The residence is the white structure visible at the center of the photograph surrounded by a sprawling woodland. The warehouse and garage are partially visible at the north end of the grounds. The Japanese-style building to the west served as quarters for the waiting maids and no longer exists. The nine buildings visible to the south in what is now the European Garden were residences for government officials.