The 501st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (第501飛行隊 (dai-go-hyaku-ichi-hikoutai)) was a squadron of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force based at Hyakuri Air Base (Ibaraki Airport) in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan.

The squadron formed at Matsushima Air Base in Miyagi Prefecture, with 10 North American RF-86F Sabre aircraft on December 1, 1961.

[3] In 1972, the JASDF decided that the RF-86Fs would be replaced by 14 RF-4E aircraft and that an RF-4E detachment would be formed at Hyakuri Air Base in Ibaraki Prefecture.

[6][7] Since 1961 the squadron's emblem has been the American cartoon character Woody Woodpecker wearing a bowtie.

When the squadron was equipped with RF-86 Sabres, the aircraft wore a blue and yellow chevron on their tails.