KANAGAWA - Japan's Antarctic research vessel Shirase departed from the Maritime Self-Defense Force's Yokosuka Base in Kanagawa Prefecture on November 11th, beginning a mission to support the country's 68th Antarctic Research Expedition, with the ship scheduled to reach Showa Station in late December before returning to Japan in April 2027.
The vessel will make a stop in Fremantle, Western Australia, in late November to pick up approximately 60 expedition members and accompanying personnel before continuing its journey to Antarctica.
Around 180 Maritime Self-Defense Force personnel are aboard Shirase, which departed following a ceremony attended by crew members and their families at the Yokosuka naval base.
Maritime Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Satoshi Saito addressed those gathered at the departure ceremony, emphasizing the international importance of Japan's Antarctic research. "Observations aimed at uncovering the mechanisms of climate change are attracting worldwide attention. I expect everyone to work together as one team with the research expedition to complete the mission," he said.
Captain Shigenori Kosaka, 48, formally announced the ship's departure before boarding the vessel.
The 68th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition will conduct scientific observations in Antarctica, continuing Japan's long-running research program at Showa Station, which serves as the country's main Antarctic research base.
Kyodo News photographer and videographer Ichiro Sakano, 37, will accompany the expedition's main team to document its activities.
The vessel is scheduled to return to Japan in April 2027, completing a voyage that will support Japan's continuing efforts to understand Antarctica's environment and its role in global climate change.
