The Embassy of Japan in the Fiji Islands made an announcement for the much anticipated 2022 August port call from the Japanese Navy Ship, JS KIRISAME.
The general public was extended an invitation to apply for a rare opportunity to get a free onboard tour of the naval ship on Wednesday, August 17.
The public viewing had limited slots available that were quickly filled up.
A week prior to the scheduled arrival, I had received an invitation from my friend, Mrs SUGISAKI Toshiko, to join her and an acquaintance. Of course, I accepted without hesitation.
Instead of joining the general public's tour group in the afternoon, we joined the diplomat's tour group at nine in the morning. Safety requirements were adhered to, such as wearing and keeping face masks on throughout the tour.
It was my first time being surrounded by so many native Japanese people. Simultaneously being my first time on a naval ship. My emotions ran from shy to awe to happy. It was as if I was actually in Japan.
I also felt as if I was in a movie, especially since the widely popular movie, Maverick 2, had just been released this year.
Mr SUGISAKI personally greeted and welcomed us onboard the ship before we were ushered into the presentation room to begin the tour. Both Mr and Mrs SUGISAKI were great hosts, we were well taken care of.
I was thrilled to have had the chance to speak in both Japanese and French, in addition to English.
Mrs SUGISAKI, Mrs Olga, and I spoke animatedly about French language classes that were currently running and about the massive naval ship. We all tried to overcome the language barrier in order to understand one another.
We had to climb up two ladders in order to get to the next deck that had the navigation room and defense weaponry features pictured above.
While we were there, my mind instantly thought of Prince Zuko from Avatar - The Last Airbender because he's usually standing on the forefront deck of his destroyer ship.
The last part of the tour introduced us to more detailed information on the Japanese rescue helicopter. This made me wish I could learn how to fly one.
We engaged in more friendly short conversations with the navy officers. They were polite and friendly. Offering to take our pictures and also accepting our requests to have photos taken with them included.
If you ever have an opportunity to be part of a public viewing group for a Japanese Navy Ship that's made a port call, I encourage you to apply. It's an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Watch the video of the tour on my YouTube channel, Fijian Girl Learning.
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