Press Releases
Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs ONISHI’s Attendance at the 2026 Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Overseas Training Cruise Crew Departure Ceremony
(Photo provided by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force)
(Photo provided by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force)
On May 16, Mr. ONISHI Yohei, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, attended the “2026 Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Overseas Training Cruise Departure Ceremony” at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Yokosuka Base and delivered a congratulatory address.
- Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI gave words of encouragement to the entry-level officers departing on the five-month voyage, expressing the expectation that relations with partner countries would be strengthened through various exchange events and goodwill exercises.
- Many dignitaries attended the departure ceremony, including from the embassies of relevant countries in Tokyo and Members of the Diet.
(Reference) Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Overseas Training Cruise
This program develops seamanship through long-term voyages and training for entry-level officers who have graduated from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Officer Candidate School, providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary for an officer position. It also promotes friendly relations with the visited countries through bilateral exercises and exchange events. The vessels departed from Yokosuka Base on May 16th and will visit 11 ports in 5 countries around the world.