Ever wondered about the reason for a Japanese holiday that involves the sea? It all begins with the Meiji Maru.
The Meiji Maru is more than just a ship. It is a floating piece of history. It sits here at the Etchujima Campus of the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology. This vessel connects us to Japan’s rapid transformation into a modern nation.
After the shogunate fell in 1868 Japan embraced modernization. Emperor Meiji played a vital role. He transitioned from isolated splendor to a more public figure. In 1876 he toured the northern frontier of Hokkaido aboard a ship named in his honor the Meiji Maru.
Built on Glasgow’s River Clyde in 1873 the Meiji Maru was a lighthouse tender. It had special accommodations for the Emperor. Following the Hokkaido tour Emperor Meiji returned to Yokohama on July 20 1876 aboard the Meiji Maru. This day became a national holiday in 1941. Today it is celebrated as Marine Day or Ocean Day.
But the Meiji Maru’s story doesn’t end there. In 1897 it became a training ship for the Tokyo Nautical School. This school is now part of the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology. The Meiji Maru holds two distinctions. It is Japan’s oldest iron-hulled ship. It is also a National Important Cultural Asset.
Imagine the young Emperor Meiji sailing on this very ship. Envision the lavishly decorated cabin created solely for his use. Think about the impact this voyage had on the nation. July’s Marine Day originally commemorated the emperor’s arrival in Yokohama.
The Meiji Maru served as a lighthouse cruiser for about 20 years. Later it trained over 5000 young people. This lasted for about 50 years. During the Great Kanto Earthquake and the Great Tokyo Air Raid it provided shelter to many residents. It contributed to disaster relief.
Designated an Important Cultural Property in 1964 the Meiji Maru stands as a legacy. It showcases the shipbuilding technology of the Iron Ship Age. It was the first ship to receive this honor.
The Meiji Maru was re-rigged as a full-rigged ship in 1898. This happened at the Shomei Shipbuilding Company in Shinagawa. In 1964, it found its current home. It became a memorial at the Tokyo University of Mercantile Marine. An extensive restoration completed in 1988 revived its original splendor.
As you stand before the Meiji Maru consider its role in shaping Japan’s maritime history. The Meiji Maru isn’t just a ship. It’s a symbol of Japan’s journey toward modernization and its deep connection to the sea. Take a moment to appreciate this majestic vessel. It is a reminder of a pivotal era in Japanese history.