For those walking through the area of Minato Mirai area (nearest to the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse) in Yokohama, one is sure to see the Shikishima Class PLH (Patrol Vessel Large with Helicopter) vessel, the Akitsushima PLH32.
Laid down in 2011 and launched in July 2012, the Akitsushima PLH32 was commissioned by the Japan Coast Guard on November 28, 2013.
Next to the ship is the Japan Coast Guard Museum which opened back in 2004 to show the importance of maritime security.
Once can get a deeper understanding of the Japan Coast Guard and see the waterproof jackets, maps and also more information that took place in the Southwest Kysushu in December 2001 (known as the Battle of Amami-Oshima, which pit the Japanese Coast Guard vs. an armed North Korean vessel which was a spy craft).
A battle ensued between both vessels and the North Korean vessel was sunk. As the vessel was later recovered and inspected, many years later, the North Korean hull is now displayed at the Japan Coast Guard Museum.
As for the Akitsushima PLH32, the Shikishima-class patrol vessel is equipped with anti-air capabilities (Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannons), unlike other Coast Guard vessels and showcases great long-range capability and firepower. Also, having long-range cruising capacity to travel long distances without needing to refuel (supposedly, the Shikishima-class patrol vessel can travel from Japan to Europe).
If you are headed to the Minato Mirai area, it’s worth checking out the Japan Coast Guard Museum but also for civilians, checking out the awesome Akitsushima PLH32 from a distance.
