Royal Navy flagship, HMS Prince of Wales, has arrived in Tokyo for a landmark port visit that deepens UK–Japan defence ties. HMS Queen Elizabeth stopped in the Japanese capital in 2021, but the value of the visit was severely limited by COVID restrictions.
The visit is the centrepiece defence-diplomacy activity of the deployment and underscores UK government’s commitment to strengthening security and economic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region while showcasing British industry during high-profile engagements in Japan.
Prince of Wales entered Tokyo Bay after being alongside at the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) base at Yokosuka since 12th August, where she underwent planned maintenance and the ship’s company had time off to visit Japan.
While in Tokyo, the ship will host the Pacific Future Forum (PFF) from 29–30 August, an international summit convening defence, security, technology and trade leaders to discuss shared challenges and opportunities with like-minded partners. A Defence and Security Industry Day aboard the carrier will also highlight UK innovation in areas such as space, cyber and emerging technologies.
Senior figures, including Defence Secretary John Healey, Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani and the First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, welcomed the carrier on arrival. Officials in Tokyo and London have framed the port call as evidence of a deepening strategic partnership, aligned with broader cooperation that includes the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) with Italy to develop a next-generation fighter by the mid-2030s. Recent UK–Japan interoperability has been demonstrated at sea, including joint exercises with the JMSDF during the approach to Japan.
The stage already prepared in the hangar for the PFF.
The Japanese public will be able to visit the ship while she is alongside and there is a busy schedule of military, diplomatic and industry engagements planned. Following departure from Tokyo, HMS Prince of Wales will be rejoined at sea by HMS Dauntless and HNoMS Roal Amundsen, currently in Yokosuka and HMS Richmond and RFA Tidespring, currently in Busan, South Korea.
The Prime Minister of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba, was hosted on board while the ship was alongside in Yokosuka on 22nd August.
Main image: Alongside at the International Cruise Terminal in Tokyo. Photo: Alsace Class
AloJapan.com