JCG Training Vessel Itsukushima Visits San Francisco
2026/5/29
Deputy Consul General Ishihara welcomes Itsukushima to San Francisco
Students and community members present flower bouquets to the officers and cadets of Itsukushima
The Japan Coast Guard Training Vessel Itsukushima made a port call to San Francisco for six days, from May 23rd to 28th. This visit was part of an extensive training voyage conducted to train future executive officers of the Japan Coast Guard. The port call served as a valuable opportunity for the cadets to broaden their international perspective and deepen specialized knowledge, while also strengthening the friendship between Japan and the United States, particularly in the field of maritime security.
On May 23rd, a welcome ceremony was held with the participation of Deputy Consul General Takeshi Ishihara and other Consulate staff, representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, officials from the City and County of San Francisco, and leaders from the local Japanese and Japanese American community. During the ceremony, Deputy Consul General Ishihara delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of Japan-U.S. cooperation and offering words of encouragement to the cadets.
In addition to visiting facilities of the U.S. Coast Guard during their stay, the cadets also visited the Military Intelligence Service Historic Learning Center to deepen their understanding of the history and experience of Japanese Americans.
Furthermore, on May 27th, a reception was hosted aboard the Itsukushima, attended by a variety of guests including representatives of the U.S. Coast Guard, the diplomatic corps, and local community. At the opening of the reception, remarks were delivered by Captain Naoki Mizoguchi of Itsukushima, Consul General Kotaro Otsuki, and Vice Admiral Joseph R. Buzzella, Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area. Consul General Otsuki spoke about the significance of the Japan Coast Guard training vessel's port call to San Francisco and the importance of strengthening collaboration between Japan and U.S. maritime security agencies, while also expressing gratitude for the warm welcome extended by all the participants.
On the afternoon of May 28th, Itsukushima departed for its next port of call in Honolulu with well-wishes from the people of San Francisco.
On May 23rd, a welcome ceremony was held with the participation of Deputy Consul General Takeshi Ishihara and other Consulate staff, representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, officials from the City and County of San Francisco, and leaders from the local Japanese and Japanese American community. During the ceremony, Deputy Consul General Ishihara delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of Japan-U.S. cooperation and offering words of encouragement to the cadets.
In addition to visiting facilities of the U.S. Coast Guard during their stay, the cadets also visited the Military Intelligence Service Historic Learning Center to deepen their understanding of the history and experience of Japanese Americans.
Furthermore, on May 27th, a reception was hosted aboard the Itsukushima, attended by a variety of guests including representatives of the U.S. Coast Guard, the diplomatic corps, and local community. At the opening of the reception, remarks were delivered by Captain Naoki Mizoguchi of Itsukushima, Consul General Kotaro Otsuki, and Vice Admiral Joseph R. Buzzella, Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area. Consul General Otsuki spoke about the significance of the Japan Coast Guard training vessel's port call to San Francisco and the importance of strengthening collaboration between Japan and U.S. maritime security agencies, while also expressing gratitude for the warm welcome extended by all the participants.
On the afternoon of May 28th, Itsukushima departed for its next port of call in Honolulu with well-wishes from the people of San Francisco.
Itsukushima cadets thank the community for the warm welcome
Group photo of the crew and ceremony attendees
Group photo in front of the Military Intelligence Service Historic Learning Center, SF Presidio
Reception remarks by Consul General Otsuki
Remarks by Vice Admiral Buzzella, US Coast Guard Pacific Area Commander
Cadets give mochitsuki (rice pounding) and Judo
Group photo at reception
Itsukushima departs San Francisco
