Visit of the icebreaker JS Shirase to Fremantle
2024/3/24
From March 18 to 23, 2024, the icebreaker JS Shirase visited Fremantle on the way back from the 65th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition. The following were the main events that took place during its stay. Local Japanese community members waved flags to both welcome and see off the ship at its arrival and departure at Fremantle ports. The visit of JS Shirase has become a symbol of friendship and exchange between Japan and Australia, and of the unity of the Japanese residents here. We pray for a safe voyage and look forward to the Shirase's return to Fremantle.
(1) Wreath-laying at the Fremantle War Memorial (March 19)
Captain Saito, Commanding Officer of JS Shirase, Captain Amanuma, Counselor and Naval Attaché to the Embassy of Japan in Australia, Captain Ken Burleigh ADC RAN, Commanding Officer of HMAS Stirling, and Mr Vince Connelly, RSLWA CEO, laid wreaths at the war memorial to express their respect for the fallen soldiers and renewed determination to strive towards our shared ideals.
(1) Wreath-laying at the Fremantle War Memorial (March 19)
Captain Saito, Commanding Officer of JS Shirase, Captain Amanuma, Counselor and Naval Attaché to the Embassy of Japan in Australia, Captain Ken Burleigh ADC RAN, Commanding Officer of HMAS Stirling, and Mr Vince Connelly, RSLWA CEO, laid wreaths at the war memorial to express their respect for the fallen soldiers and renewed determination to strive towards our shared ideals.
(2) Onboard Reception (March 19th)
Capt Kazuki Saito, Commanding Officer of JS Shirase, Dr Gen Hashida, Leader of the 65th Expedition team, and Consul-General Naito co-hosted an on-board reception on the JS Shirase. Many friends of the WA-Japan community, including Mr Yaz Mubarakai MLA, representing Minister Dr. Tony Buti, the Hon Mark McGowan, former Premier of WA, the Hon Richard Court AC, former Ambassador to Japan and Premier of WA, enjoyed a wonderful evening in the sunset and sea breeze. Speeches, including one by Mr. Mubarakai that touched on the 2016 rescue of the Australian observation team by the Shirase, echoed the sentiment that the Shirase has become a symbol of friendship and exchange between Japan and Australia over the years.
Capt Kazuki Saito, Commanding Officer of JS Shirase, Dr Gen Hashida, Leader of the 65th Expedition team, and Consul-General Naito co-hosted an on-board reception on the JS Shirase. Many friends of the WA-Japan community, including Mr Yaz Mubarakai MLA, representing Minister Dr. Tony Buti, the Hon Mark McGowan, former Premier of WA, the Hon Richard Court AC, former Ambassador to Japan and Premier of WA, enjoyed a wonderful evening in the sunset and sea breeze. Speeches, including one by Mr. Mubarakai that touched on the 2016 rescue of the Australian observation team by the Shirase, echoed the sentiment that the Shirase has become a symbol of friendship and exchange between Japan and Australia over the years.
(3) Special Visit for the Japanese School in Perth and Fremantle College (March 20)
Special visits were held for students of the Japanese School in Perth, and for marine studies program students of Fremantle College. The students were given a guided tour of the various equipment and machinery of the JS Shirase, and were given the opportunity to actively ask many questions, providing them with great inspiration for their future. The Mayor of the City of Fremantle, Ms Hannah Fitzhardinge and Deputy Mayor, Ms Jenny Archibald also joined the visit.
Special visits were held for students of the Japanese School in Perth, and for marine studies program students of Fremantle College. The students were given a guided tour of the various equipment and machinery of the JS Shirase, and were given the opportunity to actively ask many questions, providing them with great inspiration for their future. The Mayor of the City of Fremantle, Ms Hannah Fitzhardinge and Deputy Mayor, Ms Jenny Archibald also joined the visit.
(4) Welcome Reception co-hosted by the Japan Club of WA, the Japanese Association of WA, and the Consulate-General (March 20th)
A welcome reception was held at the Consul-General's official residence, providing an opportunity for the local Japanese community and Shirase crew to interact.
A welcome reception was held at the Consul-General's official residence, providing an opportunity for the local Japanese community and Shirase crew to interact.