Summary by Andrew Marvin and Davis Piper*
As part of their summer internship with the Yokosuka Council on Asia Pacific Studies, interns Andrew Marvin and Davis Piper visited the Mikasa Memorial Warship in Yokosuka, Kanagawa. The visit gave them the chance to explore an important part of Japan’s naval history and learn more about the role of sea power in the region.
Commissioned in 1902, the Mikasa served as Admiral Heihachiro Togo’s flagship during the Russo Japanese War. It played a major role in the Battle of Tsushima in 1905, when Japan defeated Russia’s Baltic Fleet. The victory showed how quickly Japan had modernized its military and industry during the Meiji period and helped establish the country as a major world power.
Andrew and Davis toured the ship’s decks, command areas, and exhibits. Walking through the actual vessel made the history feel more real and provided a better sense of what life was like for naval officers and sailors in the early twentieth century.
The Mikasa has also received the International Maritime Heritage Award, which has only been given to a small number of historic ships. This was especially meaningful for Davis because he had previously visited the USS Constitution in Boston, another recipient of the award. Visiting both ships gave him a greater appreciation for how rare and valuable these preserved vessels are.
The visit also showed why Yokosuka remains an important place for studying maritime security. Its history as a naval center and its current connections to the Japanese and American navies make it a strong location for a future YCAPS event. A visit to the Mikasa could support discussions about Japan’s military modernization, naval history, and current security issues in the Indo Pacific.