Port Visit of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Training Squadron to Anchorage
2026/10/1
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) training squadron Kashima and Yamagiri made a port call in Anchorage from September 23 to 26 as part of their overseas training cruise, marking their first visit to Anchorage in approximately nine years.
During the port call, a variety of events and activities took place, including a courtesy call by Rear Admiral Ryoko Azuma, Commander of the JMSDF Training Squadron, on Brigadier General Matthew Komatsu, Deputy Commander of Alaskan Command; a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial to the Japanese war dead of Attu Island; a special ship tour for students in the Navy JROTC (Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps) program at Service High School; an onboard reception; a concert; and a kendo exchange.
On September 23, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the memorial to the Japanese war dead of Attu Island at Fort Richardson National Cemetery. Accompanied by Brigadier General Matthew Komatsu, Rear Admiral Azuma, the commanding officers of Kashima and Yamagiri, Head Consul Hamada, and a representative of the officer trainees attended the ceremony and paid tribute to those who lost their lives.
Later that day, an onboard reception was co-hosted by Rear Admiral Azuma and Head of the Consular Office Hamada. Approximately 120 guests attended, including representatives of the U.S. military and Alaska National Guard, Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance, Japan Alaska Association President George Tolbert, members of the Alaska State Legislature, the Chair and members of the Anchorage Assembly, and representatives from the local business, education, and cultural communities. Guests had the opportunity to engage with members of the Training Squadron, making the reception a valuable occasion to further strengthen people-to-people ties between Japan and Alaska.
On September 24, a concert was held at Dimond High School featuring the JMSDF Training Squadron Band and Shozui Daiko, along with Anchorage-based Tomodachi Daiko. The groups performed for an audience of approximately 150 people, and the concert concluded with a standing ovation.
On September 25, a kendo exchange was held with the Alaska Kendo Club. Kendo practitioners from the Training Squadron, including the commanding officer of Kashima, participated in a joint practice session and exchanged ideas on techniques and training methods. A commemorative gift presentation was also held following the practice, providing another opportunity to deepen friendship through martial arts.
The Anchorage port call was a highly meaningful opportunity to further strengthen relations between the JMSDF and U.S. military personnel in Alaska, promote mutual understanding with a broad range of Alaskan partners, and deepen the friendship and people-to-people and cultural ties between Japan and Alaska.
During the port call, a variety of events and activities took place, including a courtesy call by Rear Admiral Ryoko Azuma, Commander of the JMSDF Training Squadron, on Brigadier General Matthew Komatsu, Deputy Commander of Alaskan Command; a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial to the Japanese war dead of Attu Island; a special ship tour for students in the Navy JROTC (Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps) program at Service High School; an onboard reception; a concert; and a kendo exchange.
On September 23, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the memorial to the Japanese war dead of Attu Island at Fort Richardson National Cemetery. Accompanied by Brigadier General Matthew Komatsu, Rear Admiral Azuma, the commanding officers of Kashima and Yamagiri, Head Consul Hamada, and a representative of the officer trainees attended the ceremony and paid tribute to those who lost their lives.
Later that day, an onboard reception was co-hosted by Rear Admiral Azuma and Head of the Consular Office Hamada. Approximately 120 guests attended, including representatives of the U.S. military and Alaska National Guard, Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance, Japan Alaska Association President George Tolbert, members of the Alaska State Legislature, the Chair and members of the Anchorage Assembly, and representatives from the local business, education, and cultural communities. Guests had the opportunity to engage with members of the Training Squadron, making the reception a valuable occasion to further strengthen people-to-people ties between Japan and Alaska.
On September 24, a concert was held at Dimond High School featuring the JMSDF Training Squadron Band and Shozui Daiko, along with Anchorage-based Tomodachi Daiko. The groups performed for an audience of approximately 150 people, and the concert concluded with a standing ovation.
On September 25, a kendo exchange was held with the Alaska Kendo Club. Kendo practitioners from the Training Squadron, including the commanding officer of Kashima, participated in a joint practice session and exchanged ideas on techniques and training methods. A commemorative gift presentation was also held following the practice, providing another opportunity to deepen friendship through martial arts.
The Anchorage port call was a highly meaningful opportunity to further strengthen relations between the JMSDF and U.S. military personnel in Alaska, promote mutual understanding with a broad range of Alaskan partners, and deepen the friendship and people-to-people and cultural ties between Japan and Alaska.
