Ertugrul frigate’s legacy enhances Türkiye-Japan friendship 134 years on

Japan’s Ambassador to Ankara, Katsumata Takahiko, emphasized the enduring legacy of the Ertugrul Frigate, which sank off the coast of Kushimoto on September 16, 1890.

This tragic event is considered the cornerstone of the deep-rooted friendship between Japan and Türkiye.

Ambassador Katsumata marked the 134th anniversary of the Ertugrul Frigate’s sinking, highlighting how this historical episode laid the foundation for the strong bilateral relations between the two nations.

“We wish to pass down the goodwill and friendship established by our ancestors from the Ottoman Empire and the Meiji era to future generations,” Katsumata stated.

Celebrating diplomatic milestones, future cooperation

As 2024 also marks the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Türkiye, Katsumata noted ongoing collaboration in various fields such as economic development, disaster prevention and aid.

He stressed the intention to extend this cooperation to new areas like energy and climate change.

“Enhancing collaboration in these sectors will add significant value, and we hope to continue strengthening new fields of partnership,” Katsumata said.

Expanding horizons: Opportunities for joint ventures

Ambassador Katsumata also mentioned that Japanese and Turkish companies are exploring cooperation opportunities in third countries.

He cited ongoing joint efforts in Ukraine’s infrastructure and expressed a desire for similar collaborations in Africa and other regions.

“The synergy created by Japanese and Turkish companies can lead to new added value. This is not just a ‘win,’ but a ‘win-win-win’ situation,” Katsumata noted.

Enhancing high-level exchanges

Recent high-level visits from both Japan to Türkiye and Türkiye to Japan have bolstered the relationship between the two countries.

Katsumata referred to Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko’s visit to Ankara in January, where discussions included opportunities for cooperation on various global issues.

In anticipation of the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Katsumata expects more high-level visits from Türkiye, further deepening bilateral ties.

Deepening bonds: Concept of ‘Kizuna’

Reflecting on events such as the “Year of Japan in Türkiye” and the “Year of Türkiye in Japan,” Katsumata emphasized the importance of cultural exchange.

He introduced the Japanese concept of “kizuna,” which means deep bonds or friendship, expressing his commitment to deepening this connection.

“We want to solidify and pass on the goodwill and friendship developed since the Ottoman Empire and Meiji periods,” he said.

Legacy of the Ertugrul Frigate

The Ertugrul Frigate, which set sail from Istanbul in July 1889 carrying an Ottoman diplomatic mission, visited several ports before arriving in Yokohama.

The mission’s tragic end came when the frigate struck rocks near Kushimoto on September 16, 1890. Out of the 609 crew members, only 69 survived, and 550 Ottoman sailors perished.

This poignant chapter in history is remembered as a significant event in the diplomacy between Japan and Türkiye, with the legacy of the Ertugrul Frigate continuing to live on in the hearts of both nations.

To mark the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 134th anniversary of the Ertugrul Frigate’s journey, Türkiye’s TCG Kinaliada corvette retraced the frigate’s route in June 2024, visiting Kushimoto, Tokyo and Hiroshima.

Additionally, Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels “Kashima” and “Shimakaze” docked in Istanbul in August to celebrate the centennial of Japan-Türkiye diplomatic ties.