Long distance flight by Seiji Yoshihara, updated 12.05.2025
Junkers A50
Seiji Yoshihara flight in 10 days from Berlin to Tokyo
Seiji Yoshihara was a pioneering Japanese aviator in the 1930s, best known for his remarkable flight from Berlin to Tokyo in a Junkers A50 aircraft. In 1930, he embarked on this daring solo journey, covering approximately 10960 kilometers, which was a significant achievement in the early days of aviation. His flight symbolized the growing ties between Germany and Japan at the time and showcased the capabilities of long-distance air travel. Yoshihara’s feat remains a notable chapter in aviation history, highlighting both his skill as a pilot and his adventurous spirit.
D-3 was only the ferry registration; later in September 1930, the aircraft was registered as J-BECB in Japan.
The greatest distance covered in one day by Yoshihara during his hop from Berlin to Tokyo was on the fourth day, August 23rd, when he flew from Kazan to Noviosvusk, a distance of 2,299 kilometres.
Details of his daily flight record:
20. August 1930 - Berlin to Moscow, 1,442 km
21. August 1930 - Moscow to Seima, 657 km
22. August 1930 - Seima to Kazan, 510 km
23. August 1930 - Kazan to Noviosvusk, 2299 km
24. August 1930 - Noviosvusk to Krasnoyarsk, 758 km
25. August 1930 - Krasnoyarsk to Verchneudinsk, 1162 km
26. August 1930 - Verchneudinsk to Chita, 502 km
27. August 1930 - Chita to Harbin, 1350 km
28. August 1930 - Harbin to Keilo, 1180 km
29. August 1930 - Keijo to Osaka, 970 km
Seiji Yoshihara tried another long distance flight which he couldn't finish. I found some information about the flight here: https://www.oldtokyo.com/first-attempt-to-fly-solo-across-the-pacific-ocean-1931/
References
I referenced the following books and magazines in my possession:
"Kiek in die Welt" by Marga von Etzdorf
"Junkers Nachrichten No. 4/5 1930"
"Junkers Nachrichten No. 1 1931"
"Four Continents by Sport Plane" by Wäinö Bremer.
"Die Junkers-Lehrschau, Eine Führung durch die Lehrschau der Junkers Flugzeug- und -Motorenwerke A.-G.. Dessau"
"Elegance and Versatility - Junkers Light Aircraft K16 to A50 Junior"
Further references:
With sincere appreciation, I acknowledge the generous permission granted by Günter Frost for the use of information and illustrations from the ‘Challenge International Avions de Tourisme 1929 and 1930’, which has significantly contributed to this work.
Also, my gratitude to the provided information send to me from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. UDAR-HAZY center, Archive Department