Chiba City, the capital of Chiba Prefecture, is located approximately 40km from the center of Tokyo, and about 30km from Narita International Airport. It has been a government designated city since 1992, and has a population of approximately 950,000.

Chiba City covers an area of 272km2. Within its boundaries is a professional soccer arena, baseball stadium, a famous zoological park, a skating rink and pool facility powered by recycled energy, the longest suspended monorail system in the world, multiple botanical gardens, various museums, libraries, urban parks, beaches, and much more.

The following aerial photographs of Chiba City were taken by CIR Nami Kasuya (2006-2009) on August 23, 2006 during a maintenance-run of a fire helicopter.

The Chiba City Fire Prevention Bureau owns two helicopters - one is used for fire extinguishing, and the other for rescue purposes. Named the Otori 1 and 2, these helicopters are the newest model disaster prevention helicopters manufactured by the French company Eurocopter, renowned for the high quality and mobility. They are equipped with top of the line equipment, including hoisting equipment that can lift 272kgs, fire extinguishing equipment holding 900L of water, a visual camera, an infrared camera, fully-equipped medical stretchers, a 1,600w searchlight, a 800w loud speaker, and an in-flight satellite telephone.

Chiba City maintains a delicate balance between nature, people, and technology. Despite being a government designated city with a large population, it is still known for its abundant nature and thriving agriculture. Residential areas neighbor large areas of farmland, and the futuristic Makuhari area lies right next to the Hanamigawa river and the surrounding woodlands.

[Farmland]		[Chuo Ward]
[Hanamigawa River]		[Makuhari]