Japanese Princess Akiko reaffirms three generations of friendly relations between Japan and Turkey
In the small fishing town of Kushimoto, a monument stands tall, a testament to a tragic event that marked the beginning of a remarkable friendship between Japan and Turkey. Erected in 1891, the monument commemorates the lives lost in the Ertugrul Frigate disaster of 1890, an event considered the starting point of Japan-Turkey diplomatic relations.
The Ertugrul Frigate, sent to Japan in 1889 in response to Japanese Prince Komatsu's visit to Istanbul in 1887, met its unfortunate end on September 16, 1890, when it crashed into rocks off Kushimoto, resulting in over 500 deaths with only 69 sailors surviving. The Japanese government, in an act of compassion, transported the surviving crew members back to Canakkale on warships Hiei and Kongo in October 1890.
Fast forward to the present day, and the bond between the two nations continues to thrive. The family of Princess Akiko of Mikasa, a third-generation member of the Prince Mikasa family, has been at the forefront of this cultural and scientific exchange. Princess Akiko, who was part of a conference titled "Strong Bond Among Three Generations in the Prince Mikasa Family: Türkiye Friendship," recalled her first overseas trip to Turkey as a high school sophomore for the opening of the Turkish-Japanese Foundation Cultural Center.
The Kaman-Kalehoyuk excavations, a symbol of Japan-Turkey friendship for Princess Akiko, have been a significant part of this exchange. The construction of the Kaman-Kalehoyuk Archaeological Institute and Museum, started at the request of her father, has further strengthened this three-generation love for Turkey within the Prince Mikasa family.
The Turkish Museum, built in 1974, houses a model of the Ertugrul Frigate, along with photographs and statues of the soldiers and commanders aboard. This museum stands as a reminder of the historical connection between the two nations.
Modern naval exchanges continue to honour this historical connection. For instance, the TCG Kinalida corvette's visit to Japan in 2024 marked the centennial of diplomatic relations and the 134th anniversary of Ertugrul's voyage. Similarly, Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force training ships Kashima and Shimakaze reciprocated with a visit to Istanbul's Sarayburnu Port in August 2024.
Princess Akiko emphasized the precious nature of the bonds formed with people, cultures, and stories in Turkey during the excavations. Her grandfather, Prince Mikasa, was instrumental in establishing the Turkish-Japanese Foundation Cultural Center, furthering the shared legacy of friendship between Japan and Turkey. This bond, forged in tragedy and nurtured through shared experiences, continues to flourish, making it a testament to the enduring power of human connection.
