From 2 to 5 August, two units of the “Japan Training Squadron”, the frigates “JS Kashima” and “JS Shimakaze”, belonging to the Maritime Self-Defense Force of Japan (JMSDF), stopped at the Angevin pier of the Port of Naples. The visit is aimed at training abroad and promoting friendship and cooperation between Japan and Italy.
In this context, on the morning of 2 August, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Italy Satoshi Suzuki, accompanied by a delegation composed of RADM Takahiro Nishiyama, head of the Japan Training Squadron, CAPT Hiroaki Tanaka, C.S.M. of the J.T.S., as well as CAPT Kichiro Sakai and CDR Go Kaiiyama, respectively commander of the Kashima and the Shimakaze, visited the Logistics Command of the Navy in Naples, received by the Chief of Staff of the Command, Admiral Inspector Pierpaolo Budri, representing ComLog, engaged in off-site activities. In the evening of the same day, a delegation made up of officers from the Logistics Command went on board the two ships docked at the quay of the Angevin Pier of the Neapolitan port where they were offered refreshments, according to Japanese tradition and gastronomic culture.
On Saturday 3 August, a representation of the two Japanese ships led by RADM Nishiyama, laid a wreath of flowers at the stele that commemorates the Italian sailors who perished during the last world war, located in front of the Naval Officers’ Club of Naples. The short but significant ceremony, carried out according to Japanese custom, was also attended by a delegation of the Logistic Command led by Admiral Budri. Finally, in the evening, on the terrace of the Officers’ Club, a sober reception was held in honor of the guests who were able to appreciate the particular panorama as well as admire their two ships inserted in the beautiful scenery of the port of Naples with the background of the silhouette of Vesuvius.
On the morning of Monday 5 August, the two ships left the port of Naples to continue their training tour in the Mediterranean.