JMSDF Training Squadron Visits Vancouver (2026/9/15-18)
2026/9/15
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) (JMSDF.PAO.ENG) Training Squadron, composed of its flagship JS-Kashima and its accompanying frigate JS-Yamagiri, called at Vancouver from September 15 to 18 as part of its overseas training voyage.
Their arrival in Vancouver was warmly welcomed by representatives of the Japanese and Japanese Canadian communities, who were invited aboard for a special onboard tour and luncheon. Later that day, an onboard reception was co-hosted by the Training Squadron Commander Rear Admiral Ryoko Azuma and Consul General Yoshiaki Takahashi.
Approximately 100 guests attended, including Royal Canadian Navy officers, members of the local consular corps, and representatives of the Japanese and Japanese Canadian communities.
The following day, September 16, the JS-Kashima was opened to the public, welcoming approximately 3,000 visitors. Many local residents and visitors, including families and students, came aboard and enjoyed touring the ship and taking commemorative photos with crew members.
Cultural exchange activities were also held at the Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall (vjls.jh), while judo and kendo exchanges took place at the Steveston Martial Arts Centre. Training officers and crew members actively participated in this activities alongside members of the local community, providing opportunities for meaningful interaction and exchange.
During the port call, a delegation led by Rear Admiral Azuma, together with approximately 200 training officers, also visited the Japanese Canadian War Memorial in Stanley Park. Rear AdmiralAzuma and Rear Admiral David Patchell, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, Royal Canadian Navy, each laida wreath at the Memorial. Consul General Takahashi and Mr. David Iwaasa, representing the Japanese Canadian community, also attended the ceremony.
This visit provided a valuable opportunity for Canada and Japan not only to strengthen bilateral diplomatic and defense relations, but also to further deepen friendship, mutual understanding, and cultural exchange between the two countries.
Their arrival in Vancouver was warmly welcomed by representatives of the Japanese and Japanese Canadian communities, who were invited aboard for a special onboard tour and luncheon. Later that day, an onboard reception was co-hosted by the Training Squadron Commander Rear Admiral Ryoko Azuma and Consul General Yoshiaki Takahashi.
Approximately 100 guests attended, including Royal Canadian Navy officers, members of the local consular corps, and representatives of the Japanese and Japanese Canadian communities.
The following day, September 16, the JS-Kashima was opened to the public, welcoming approximately 3,000 visitors. Many local residents and visitors, including families and students, came aboard and enjoyed touring the ship and taking commemorative photos with crew members.
Cultural exchange activities were also held at the Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall (vjls.jh), while judo and kendo exchanges took place at the Steveston Martial Arts Centre. Training officers and crew members actively participated in this activities alongside members of the local community, providing opportunities for meaningful interaction and exchange.
During the port call, a delegation led by Rear Admiral Azuma, together with approximately 200 training officers, also visited the Japanese Canadian War Memorial in Stanley Park. Rear AdmiralAzuma and Rear Admiral David Patchell, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, Royal Canadian Navy, each laida wreath at the Memorial. Consul General Takahashi and Mr. David Iwaasa, representing the Japanese Canadian community, also attended the ceremony.
This visit provided a valuable opportunity for Canada and Japan not only to strengthen bilateral diplomatic and defense relations, but also to further deepen friendship, mutual understanding, and cultural exchange between the two countries.