On November 16, 2025, over twenty history enthusiasts gathered for the YCAPS Yokosuka Navy & History Walking Tour, led by Executive Director Dr John Bradford,who spent nearly two decades living and working in this important port city.
The day began with a special briefing aboard the Mikasa, presented by retired JMSDF Captain “Greg” Kouta, who shared fascinating stories of the ship’s role in Japan's military and politicalhistory. From there, the group ventured into the heart of Yokosuka, tracing the city’s past from Commodore Perry’s arrival in Tokyo Bay in 1853 to its modern-day maritime significance.
As they walked through the city, the tour stopped near the main gate of the U.S. Navy base, that concurrently serves as a United Nations operations facility and previously hosted the Imperial Japanese Navy. In historic Verny Park, participants paused for a long discussion while they watched a JMSDF landing ship (LST) returning to port—a vivid, living link between past and present. The lush greenery of the park and the sound of the sea created a reflective atmosphere as guides explained Yokosuka’s transformation from a nineteenth-century industrial town to a strategic naval hub home to both the US 7th Fleet and the Japan Self Defense Fleet.
The tour concluded on livelyDobuita Street,where American and Japanese cultures meet in a colorful fusion. As a final stop participants chatted over snacks and drinks at a sailor’s saloon, soaking in the area’s laid-back yet storied vibe. The relaxed late afternoon gathering gave everyone a chance to connect, share thoughts, and reflect on Yokosuka’s deep and layered history. It was a memorable day — equal parts education, camaraderie, and cultural immersion.
