Kawanashi H8K2, 426, "T-31"
History
Manufactured at Kawanishi's Konan Plant in Kobe, Japan, H8K2 serial number 426 was completed in March 1943. It was initially assigned to the 802nd Kōkūtai (Naval Air Group) with the tail code N1-26. The 802nd Kōkūtai operated primarily from Jaluit Atoll in the Marshall Islands and Makin in the Gilbert Islands (now part of Kiribati)..
In January 1944, the 802nd Kōkūtai relocated to Saipan in the Marianas. By April 1, 1944, the aircraft was reassigned to the 801st Kōkūtai on Saipan, where it was overpainted with the tail code 801-86.
Following the disbandment of the 801st Kōkūtai, the aircraft was transferred to the 5th Naval Air Wing "Kikusui Force" and assigned to the Takuma Kōkūtai at Takuma Seaplane Base on Shikoku Island. Here, it received the tail code T-31. During this period, the flying boat sustained minor damage during a U.S. air raid.
In early September 1945, after Japan's surrender, the aircraft was selected for evaluation by American forces. Under the command of Lieutenant-Commander Tsuneo Hitsuji, a crew from the Takuma Kōkūtai flew the aircraft from Takuma to Yokohama. From there, it was transported to the United States aboard the seaplane tender USS Cumberland Sound (AV-17) .
Upon arrival in the U.S., the aircraft underwent extensive restoration at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia, by the Overhaul and Repair Facility. This restoration was conducted without the benefit of original blueprints or spare parts.On May 23, 1946, the restored Emily was flown for the first time in American hands, from Hampton Roads to Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland .
Following its flight tests, the aircraft underwent hydrodynamic evaluations at NAS Patuxent River from August 22, 1946, to January 30, 1947. Subsequently, it was disassembled, wrapped in protective covering, and placed into outdoor storage at NAS Norfolk .
In 1979, after an act of Congress authorized its return, the aircraft was shipped back to Japan. It was restored and displayed at the Tokyo Maritime Museum in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, on July 21, 1980 .
In 2004, the aircraft was moved to the Kanoya Air Base Museum in Kagoshima Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, where it remains on display today