Attending the Japan Sea Battle Memorial Ceremony

On May 27, as a member of the Mikasa Preservation Society, I attended the 120th anniversary ceremony of the Battle of Tsushima held at the Yokosuka Memorial Ship Mikasa. The battleship Mikasa was solemnly decorated with full rigging and red and white curtains, boasting a majestic appearance that conveys the victory of the Combined Fleet in 1905 to this day.

At the ceremony, following the address by Mr. Omiya, Chairman of the Mikasa Preservation Society, congratulatory remarks were delivered by the Mayor of Yokosuka, the Commander of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Yokosuka Regional Headquarters, and the Commander of the U.S. Navy’s 7th Submarine Squadron. Heartfelt eulogies and salutes were also offered by representatives from Japan and other countries. Numerous military officers and officials from overseas also attended, underscoring the shared respect for the fallen and the hope for peace that transcends national borders.

The entire venue was enveloped in a solemn atmosphere, filled with sincere respect and mourning. I am deeply grateful to the Mikasa Preservation Society for creating such an occasion. As a city council member, I felt a renewed sense of responsibility to continue passing on the lessons of history and the importance of peace to the local community and future generations through this valuable opportunity.