Japan Coast Guard Day

What Is Japan Coast Guard Day?

Every May 12th is "Japan Coast Guard Day" (海上保安の日, Kaijō Hoan no Hi) in Japan. The Japan Coast Guard was established on May 1, 1948, and on May 12 of that year, its first Commandant, Takeo Ōkubo, raised the agency's flag for the first time on the roof of its headquarters. To commemorate this, May 12th was designated the agency's "Founding Anniversary," and in 2000 it was renamed "Japan Coast Guard Day." It is a day to deepen public understanding of the Coast Guard's role and activities, and award ceremonies and memorial services for fallen officers are held around this date.

Background

After World War II, the waters around Japan were described as a "dark sea": mines blocked shipping lanes and major ports, navigation aids had fallen into ruin, and smuggling, illegal entry, and piracy were rampant. Against this backdrop, the Japan Coast Guard was established as a single agency responsible for maintaining maritime security and ensuring safe navigation. Since then, it has carried out a wide range of duties, including search and rescue, law enforcement at sea, and environmental protection. Japan Coast Guard Day is meant to help people learn about this work.

Main Roles of the Japan Coast Guard

• Search and rescue: Rescuing people from ship accidents and other emergencies at sea.
• Maritime security: Cracking down on smuggling, illegal entry, and suspicious vessels.
• Protecting the marine environment: Responding to oil spills and other incidents.
• Safe navigation: Managing lighthouses and navigation aids, and producing nautical charts.
• Disaster response: Providing support during emergencies such as earthquakes and tsunamis.

Fun Facts About the Japan Coast Guard

• The Japan Coast Guard's motto is "Justice and Humanity" (正義仁愛). It comes from the first Commandant's address to staff on the day of its founding: "The spirit of the Japan Coast Guard is justice and humanity."
• Patrol vessels carry designations such as "PLH," "PL," and "PS" depending on their size and type.
• The Coast Guard has sometimes been the subject of films and TV dramas.
• Coast Guard officers are sometimes called the "police of the sea."
• The Coast Guard's aircraft and helicopters play an important role in search and rescue.

Ways to Spend Japan Coast Guard Day

• Look into the activities of the Japan Coast Guard.
• Learn about rescue operations through the official website or videos.
• Talk with your family about safety at sea and on boats.
• Use the day as an opportunity to think about protecting the marine environment.

May 12th: A Day to Think of Those Who Protect Japan's Seas

Japan Coast Guard Day is a day to appreciate the work of the Japan Coast Guard in keeping Japan's seas safe and peaceful, and to reflect on its importance. For Japan, an island nation surrounded by the sea, the Coast Guard is indispensable. On May 12th, take a moment to think about safety at sea.