Japan training ship arrives for 4-day port visit

MANILA, Philippines — Japan’s largest training vessel arrived in Manila yesterday for a four-day port visit as part of a maritime partnership between the Philippines and Japan.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the visit of Itsukushima provides opportunity for the PCG and Japan Coast Guard to strengthen ties and advance shared commitment to maritime safety, security and regional stability.

“The PCG values its partnership with the Japanese coast guard, which has contributed significantly to the development and capability enhancement of our personnel,” Cayabyab said. “This visit allows both coast guards to build on that cooperation through knowledge exchange and stronger people-to-people ties.”

During the goodwill visit, coast guard personnel of the Philippines and Japan will participate in official calls, professional exchanges, facility and ship tours as well as sports activities.

Cayabyab said these engagements aim to strengthen coordination and foster greater understanding between the two coast guards.

Ship riders from the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam are participating in the voyage, providing a platform for stronger regional maritime partnerships, according to the PCG.

Commanded by Capt. Naoki Mizoguchi, Itsukushima is on the final leg of the Japan Coast Guard’s 2026 Global Ocean Training Voyage.

The training provides Japan Coast Guard Academy trainees with practical experience in navigation, ship operations, leadership, maritime safety and international engagement.

Cayabyab said the PCG remains committed to expanding its cooperation with Japan in personnel development, institutional capacity building, maritime domain awareness, search and rescue as well as other areas of mutual interest toward a secure and rules-based maritime domain in the Indo-Pacific.