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Japanese Naval vessel, probably HIJMS IZUMO in Sydney Harbour
Japanese Naval vessel, probably HIJMS IZUMO in Sydney Harbour

Japanese Naval vessel, probably HIJMS IZUMO in Sydney Harbour

Photographer (Australian, 1899 - 1953)
DateJuly 1928
Object number00034533
NameGlass plate negative
MediumEmulsion on glass
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionAround 1,600 members of the Imperial Japanese Naval Squadron visited Australia in 1928 as part of a training cruise. The squadron consisted of the HIJMS IZUMO and YAKUMO. This photograph depicts HIJMS IZUMO in Sydney Harbour.HistoryThe Imperial Japanese Naval Squadron visited Australia in 1928, arriving in Sydney on 15 July 1928. The squadron consisted of the cruisers HIJMS IZUMO, commanded by Captain M Hirota and HIJMS YAKUMO, commanded by Captain M Idemitsu. Among the 1,600 men on board the cruisers was Sub-Lieutenant Prince Takamatsu, the third son of HIM Emperor Taisho, the 123rd Emperor of Japan. The regular formalities were observed upon their arrival, including the laying of a wreath on the Sydney Cenotaph in Martin Place in honour of those who lost their lives during World War I. That night, a welcome banquet was also hosted by the Japanese Consul-General, Prince Iemasa Tokugawa, the 17th head of the Tokugawa clan (a powerful family that ruled Japan as Shoguns from 1603 to 1867). Also in attendance were Sir William Cullen, Lieutenant-Governor of New South Wales, Prime Minister Stanley Melbourne Bruce and Lord John Lawrence Baird Stonehaven, the Governor-General of Australia. According to Adelaide's 'The Advertiser', Prince Takamatsu stated that he was 'sorry to think that in a few weeks he would have to sail from these hospitable shores. He would tell the Emperor of his pleasant experiences. He was sure such an exchange of visits would bring the relations between the two countries still closer, and help to make for the peace of the world.' ['The Japanese Squadron. Arrival in Sydney. A Hearty Welcome', 'The Advertiser', 16 July 1928, page 15] Imperial Japanese Navy training squadrons visited Australia on a number of occasions between 1878 and 1935. Their expeditions were called en yo kokai "distant ocean cruises" and the several warships that usually comprised the squadrons were called renshu kantai or "training squadrons". Learning the various skills of operating a man of war was the main purpose of the cruises, though the opportunity to experience life in other countries was also considered important for young prospective officers. The Japanese Navy also allowed male members of the general populace to take part in these cruises. The Japanese population were informed of the activities and culture of the countries the ships visited through articles in newspapers, magazines and books.SignificanceThe Samuel J Hood photographic collection records an extensive range of maritime activity on Sydney Harbour, including sail and steam ships, crew portraits, crews at work, ship interiors, stevedores loading and unloading cargo, port scenes, pleasure boats and harbourside social activities from the 1890s through to the 1950s. They are also highly competent artistic studies and views - Hood was regarded as an important figure in early Australian photojournalism. Hood’s maritime photographs are one of the most significant collections of such work in Australia.