HMS Prince of Wales Arrives in Tokyo for Historic Visit

The ship leads the UK Carrier Strike Group into Japan’s capital for a major port stop which will include hosting dignitaries, politicians and defence seniors, and opening to the public for tours before hosting an international summit, the Pacific Future Forum.

Prince of Wales arrived in Tokyo to much fanfare, with sailors lining the flight deck and people waving them in from bridges and viewpoints.

“After a brief but busy period of planned maintenance in Yokosuka, it’s a huge privilege to bring the Royal Navy fleet flagship into the centre of Tokyo,” said Captain Will Blackett, Commanding Officer of HMS Prince of Wales.

“Before arriving to Japan, we exercised with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force at sea. It has been great to see what we can do together and our commitment to working with our partners in the Indo-Pacific region

“Japan has been an incredible place to visit, our sailors have been so welcomed here and have explored all across the country. The Tokyo night skyline, with HMS Prince of Wales in it, is going to be really special.”

UK Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey MP, his Japanese counterpart Minister of Defence, Gen Nakatani and the head of the Royal Navy, First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins welcomed the ship in as it arrived in Tokyo.

The ship’s company of HMS Prince of Wales and her escort ships have just completed a period of maintenance and rest in nearby Yokosuka.

Those deployed as part of the Carrier Strike Group have climbed Mount Fuji and explored nearby, including visits to Kamakura and Shibuya, along with sampling local food and cultural experiences.

While in Tokyo, the flagship of the Carrier Strike Group will host the Pacific Future Forum, bringing together defence, security, and industry leaders to discuss shared security challenges, from future technology to economic security.

There will also be a Defence and Security Industry Day that will showcase British defence capabilities and innovation, delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change.

After departing Tokyo HMS Prince of Wales will reunite with her escorts including HMS Richmond and RFA Tidespring which are visiting Busan in the Republic of Korea.