Kishida, Japanese Prime Minister, Reviews Fleet Ceremony on Izumo Ship with Rising Sun Flag... Korean Navy Salutes

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reviewed the international fleet review aboard the Izumo, which flew the Rising Sun Flag. The South Korean Navy participating in the fleet review saluted the Izumo.

On the 6th, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force held its second-ever international fleet review in Sagami Bay, Kanagawa Prefecture, to commemorate its 70th anniversary. A fleet review is a ceremony where the military commander-in-chief inspects the fleet and personnel. On that day, Prime Minister Kishida traveled by the Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter MCH-101 and boarded the large escort ship "Izumo," regarded as an aircraft carrier-class vessel, around 10:30 a.m.

At around 11:05 a.m., after inspecting the honor guard, Prime Minister Kishida appeared on the deck review stand, and the fleet review officially began. Four ships, including the escort ship "Shiranui" leading the formation and the Izumo carrying Kishida, sailed from east to west in Sagami Bay. About 30 other ships moved in the opposite direction following the "Asahi," meeting the Izumo. Subsequently, the Self-Defense Force’s escort ships, supply ships, transport ships, and submarines appeared in sequence.

Following this, ships from countries participating in the fleet review, such as Australia, Brunei, and Canada, also appeared. The South Korean Navy dispatched the state-of-the-art logistics support ship "Soyang," which sailed ninth among the 12 countries. The Soyang is a 11,000-ton class logistics support ship. The South Korean Navy saluted the Izumo flying the Rising Sun Flag. Then, the U.S. Navy appeared, and the fleet review concluded with the Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels.

In the sky, Self-Defense Force aircraft, U.S. fighter jets F/A-18E Super Hornet and F-35B, and the French Falcon 200 patrol aircraft appeared. The Air Self-Defense Force aerobatic team "Blue Impulse" flew, drawing various patterns.

The fleet review was attended by 14 countries, including the host Japan, South Korea, the United States, Canada, Australia, and India. Japan did not invite Russia, which invaded Ukraine, to the fleet review. China was invited but did not participate. The South Korean Navy decided to attend considering the severe security situation amid escalating provocations from North Korea. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force cited ballistic missile response, strengthening security cooperation, U.S.-Japan alliance training, and maritime security as the purposes of this fleet review.

In a speech aboard the Izumo, Prime Minister Kishida criticized North Korea, saying, "We absolutely cannot tolerate North Korea’s nuclear and missile development." He also targeted China’s military expansion, stating, "We must prepare for a situation where someone tramples on the peace and security of other countries through the use or threat of force."