I´m sorry. You are probably a bit disappointed now that you realize that I am not actually in Japan right now. If you have expected to read an article about sailing, sailing culture and maritime history of Japan – well, this is just an outlook to my upcoming trip to the land of the rising sun. And an appeal to you, dearest readers, to send me hints and suggestions of where to go and what to look for when travelling to Japan, in order to grasp some of this amazing country´s maritime vibes. In this, I´m not a stranger to this land anyway …
Back in the days when I was still a young man, keen, strong and most of all, unattached to a wife or even children, I used to be a bicycle fanatic. In 2008, after having completed some absolutely life-changing tours through Portugal and Sweden, I crossed the mighty Rocky Mountains from Calgary to Vancouver, and after that further down south to Seattle. A year later I took my fast recumbent bike to Japan to a lifechanging journey …
Lost in translation?
Three weeks and some 1.400 kilometers. A hilarious, strange, exciting, shocking, fascinating and exhilarating tour, as it turned out. Still one of the most interesting trips of my life with so many things burned into my brain that even now, 17 years later, some aspects of this voyage are defining details of my personality. If you like, you may check my travel-blog (it´s in German, but A.I.-translators should do a pretty decent job).
I felt indeed „lost in translation“. As at that time European cell phones didn´t work in the tri-band system of Japan´s wireless phone network. Google, Google Maps and other services had not been available to me (and I didn´t knew that a simple SIM-card would have solved the problem). I was cycling on smaller roads, after passing greater Tokyo, along the south through, through rural Japan. Well. Now it is time to return.
Japan´s maritime heritage – and sailing present
I am planning to spend another three weeks in Japan later this year. As you have witnessed during my last bigger vacation in New York City, I did not just indulge in leisure, but I rather chased some stories to present you with interesting articles about the maritime culture, heritage and present of my destination. As for New York City, some eight articles in total are the outcome of these efforts.
Although not particularly known as a seafaring nation, Japan indeed has a long maritime tradition. As for most of you maybe spontaneously the Battleship YAMATAO or midget submarines of the Kō-hyōteki-class come in mind first, in fact, their history goes back far beyond World War 2. I am looking for locations to witness artefacts or replicas of the famous great Atakebune. Besides, as Japan is the world´s capital of tasteful fresh fish dishes, their fishermen and thus the fishing boats are top tier when it comes to seaworthiness.
Looking at the history is one thing, Japan´s sailing present is equally fascinating. Sailing, and in a breader sense, interacting with the Oceans, is not among the most popular sports and leisure activities in the Asian world, but there are many examples of Japanese sprotsmen, teams and sponsors embarking on a journey to benchmark themselves against the big names of sailing. Be it IMOCA-skipper Kojiro Shiraishi on DMG MORI who just recently completed his Vendée Globe race, the Japanese Sail GP-Team or a nice little but ever growing cruising community of private skippers.
Do you have a suggestion?
All of this I´d like to explore during my trip that will take place end-September to mid-October. Doing my research online, it´s the knowledge of the locals, the power of my followers, which I am keen to tap into. Is it worth to ravel to Kure shipyards arsenal? Is there a maritime history-dedicated museum in Japan worth visiting? Do you know of a special sailing school doing great work with motivated kids? Any hint is valuable!
So it is of course the „standards“ we are going to check out and visit again: Tokyo fish market for the best and freshest seafood in the world, Osaka yacht marina and I even contacted DMG MORI for maybe they have some facilities to visit in Japan (as most of the IMOCA-teams are based in Lorient). So, dearest readers: I am asking you – any suggestions where to go or whom to talk to whilst being in Japan?
XXXXXBILD 06
I am looking forward to your ideas, hints and locations. Feel free to comment or send an email. This is a long shot as my first articles about sailing in Japan won´t be published until late October this year. But let´s start now by collecting your input and planning ahead. In this, I am preemptively grateful for all of your input. Arrigato gozaimas!
By the way: Have you noticed that NO FRILLS SAILING.com has a newsletter now? You may find the subscription-form underneath every articles, or by clicking here. Join my mailing list and receive the monthly newsletter, not missing a single article anymore.
You may also browse to these related articles:
My 2007 recumbent bicycle-tour through Japan
All New York City articles – #newyorksailing
Subduing the Barbarians: Shogun 43