We were honoured to be part of the welcoming ceremony for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces Training Squadron. Three ships --Kashima, Shirayuki and Isoyuki-- docked in Halifax today (July 8th, 2013).

The rain gods were kind and held back the showers!

The Royal Canadian Navy Honour Guard stood tall and impressive. Movements were crisp and snappy!

The Royal Canadian Navy's brass band played beautiful renditions of both countries' national anthems--Kimigayo (Japan) and O Canada.

We heard from the VIP's too. (L-R) Rear-Admiral Dave Gardam, Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic; Rear-Admiral Fumiyuki Kitagawa, JMSDF Training Squadron Commander; His Excellency Norihiro Okuda, Ambassador of Japan to Canada; and Mr. Tatsuo Arai, Consul-General of Japan at Montreal.

We hope for a further deepening of friendship between Canada and Japan. We work towards this goal too in our little shop here in Halifax!

Schedule of activities that are open to the public:

July 8th and 9th, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Ships are open to the public. At the waterfront. Come aboard and explore!
July 9th, 4:00-5:00 p.m. The squadron band will perform at Grand Parade. Brass band & taiko drums!

Parting shot... Royal Canadian Navy sniper pose! :-)