Japan Coast Guard Academy Training Vessel Itsukushima visits Canada (2026/5/15-20)

As part of its overseas training voyage, the Japan Coast Guard Academy’s training ship Itsukushima called at Victoria and North Vancouver from May 15 to 20. This was the first visit by a Japan Coast Guard vessel to Canada in 40 years, since 1986. During the port call, the following events were held, providing a valuable opportunity not only to enhance cooperation in the maritime domain between Japan and Canada, but also to further promote friendship and cultural exchange between the two countries.
 

1. Courtesy calls on local counterparts
　　Commanding Officer MIZOGUCHI Naoki, together with Consul General TAKAHASHI Yoshiaki, paid courtesy calls on the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and the Mayor of Victoria, and on the Mayor of North Vancouver, respectively.

 
2. Lecture by Consul General to JCGA cadets

　　On board the vessel, Consul General TAKAHASHI delivered a lecture to approximately 70 cadets of JCGA on Japan–Canada relations and local affairs.

3. Welcome ceremony and special vessel tour
　　On the arrival day in North Vancouver, a welcome ceremony and a special onboard tour were held, with many Japanese children and students residing in the Vancouver area participating together with their guardians.
4. Onboard reception co-hosted by the Commanding Officer and the Consul General
　　An onboard reception co-hosted by the Commanding Officer, and the Consul General was held, attended by about 100 guests, including CCG officials, members of the local consular corps, and representatives of Japanese and Japanese Canadian communities, thereby deepening friendship. Additionally, the cadets introduced Japanese culture through demonstrations of Shodō (calligraphy), Sadō (tea ceremony), Mochitsuki (rice‑cake pounding), and ōendan (Japanese‑style cheering squad), which were warmly received.