Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — In an effort to strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties between Mexico and Japan, Puerto Vallarta will welcome the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Training Squadron from October 11 to 14. Led by Municipal President Luis Munguía, city officials have announced a series of events aimed at engaging the public and offering a unique insight into Japanese maritime tradition and culture.
The Japanese training squadron, comprising the ships Kashima and Shimakaze, will anchor at the Puerto Vallarta Maritime Terminal, where both vessels will be accessible to the public during select hours. Each ship showcases not only Japan’s naval capabilities but also the disciplined training undergone by its maritime officers. Currently, the squadron has 558 crew members on board, including 192 newly graduated officers.
Cultural Screenings and Performances Scheduled
Highlighting the Japanese delegation’s visit, a selection of cultural activities will be open to the public, providing a rich array of experiences rooted in Japanese heritage.
On Saturday, October 12, three acclaimed Japanese films—Tsugaru Lacquer Girl, The Father of the Milky Way Railway, and Under the Open Sky—will be screened at the CETACI 63 auditorium. These screenings, starting at 9:00 a.m., are intended to offer audiences a glimpse into Japan’s diverse storytelling traditions.
In addition to film, traditional Japanese dance performances and a demonstration of the Koto—a traditional Japanese string instrument—will further immerse attendees in Japan’s unique cultural expressions.
Tour the Shimakaze Ship
For those interested in Japan’s naval prowess, the Shimakaze will open its decks to visitors on Saturday, October 12, at Dock 3 of the maritime terminal. Tour sessions are scheduled from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. This exclusive tour offers a rare look inside a Japanese naval vessel, allowing visitors to interact with crew members and learn about life aboard a ship in the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Later that day, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., the Mexican Navy Band will host a free concert at the iconic Arcos del Malecón, joined by two Japanese musicians in a display of cross-cultural harmony. This performance promises to blend Mexican and Japanese musical traditions, adding a harmonious layer to the goodwill visit.
Open Ship Tours Continue
On Sunday, October 13, both Kashima and Shimakaze will once again open to the public at the same scheduled times—10:00 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. Attendees can meet the newly graduated Japanese officers and learn about the values, training, and responsibilities that guide Japan’s maritime forces.
Strengthening Japan-Mexico Relations
This visit underscores the longstanding partnership and cooperative spirit between Mexico and Japan. President Munguía has extended an open invitation to residents and visitors to participate in these activities, emphasizing the educational value of this rare international engagement. This goodwill initiative follows a series of diplomatic efforts to deepen ties between Japan and Mexico, particularly through cultural exchange and shared interests in maritime security and education.
Residents and tourists alike are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to learn about Japan’s naval history, view traditional performances, and celebrate the unique friendship between these two nations. With limited events of this nature, Puerto Vallarta’s invitation to explore the rich cultural tapestry of Japan during the ships’ visit is expected to be met with strong enthusiasm from the local community.
