2023 Japan Training Squadron Visit to Victoria
2023/7/10
Two ships from the Japan Training Squadron (JTS), "JS Kashima" and "JS Hatakaze" of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) made a friendly port call to Esquimalt (Victoria), from June 15 to 18, 2023.
The Overseas Training Cruise is conducted to develop the seamanship of the newly commissioned officers through various trainings at sea and to foster their international perspectives, while promoting friendly relationships with port of call countries. A total of approximately 560 officers and crew members are onboard, including about 160 newly commissioned officers who graduated from the Maritime officer Candidate School this spring.
During the visit, various events were held such as a welcome ceremony, ship visits, wreath-laying ceremonies, a joint music performance, an onboard reception, a welcome event hosted by Japanese Canadian communities, and collaboration events with the Royal Canadian Navy. Through these events, we deepened the friendship and goodwill between Japan and Canada.
The Overseas Training Cruise is conducted to develop the seamanship of the newly commissioned officers through various trainings at sea and to foster their international perspectives, while promoting friendly relationships with port of call countries. A total of approximately 560 officers and crew members are onboard, including about 160 newly commissioned officers who graduated from the Maritime officer Candidate School this spring.
During the visit, various events were held such as a welcome ceremony, ship visits, wreath-laying ceremonies, a joint music performance, an onboard reception, a welcome event hosted by Japanese Canadian communities, and collaboration events with the Royal Canadian Navy. Through these events, we deepened the friendship and goodwill between Japan and Canada.
 June 14 : Briefing by Consul General Maruyama |
 June 15: Arrival of the ship (gun salute） |
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 June 15: Welcome ceremony |
 June 15: Ship Visit |
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 June 15: RCN’s Cmdre Montgomery hosted luncheon |
 June 15: Briefing by RCN |
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 June 15: Briefing by H.E. Yamanouchi, Ambassador of Japan to Canada |
 June 15: Guard of Honour (Comd. Robinson of MARPAC) |
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 June 15: Official Call to Comd. of MARPAC |
 June 15: Japan-Canada Joint band rehearsal |
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 June 15: Onboard Reception (Ambassador Yamanouchi with Minister Ralston) |
 June 16: Wreath-Laying at Victoria Legislature’s Cenotaph |
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 June 16: Visit to Mayor Alto, Victoria |
 June 16: Wreath-Laying at God’s Acre Veteran’s Cemetery (At grave of Japanese naval officer Haruma Kusano) |
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 June 16: Welcome event by Japanese Canadian communities |
 June 16: RCN hosted lunch |
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 June 16: JTS’ RADM Konno Hosted lunch |
 June 16: RCN Training Centre |
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 June 16: Collaborative music performance |
 June 16: Kendo Exchange |
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 June 17: NAVY RUN |
 June 18: Departure |