What Is Japan’s “Hashidate” Accommodation Ship?

For Naval Diplomacy

Among the various vessels operated by Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), “Hashidate” is arguably the most unique in its role as an accommodation ship.

• General Overview 

Hashidate was designed to host official parties as part of JMSDF’s naval diplomacy and public relations campaign.

As an on-the-sea reception hall, it is used to welcome the media and politicians as well as foreign naval delegations, thereby facilitating better relations with the outside world.

While military organizations are known for their exclusive and secretive nature, the JMSDF must reach out to the public via the media in order to improve their image. Same goes with the politicians who are usually ignorant when it comes to military issues.

Thus, Hashidate functions as a luxurious PR station for not only accommodating outsiders, but also promoting better understanding towards the JMSDF.

Similarly, the ship is vital for greeting foreign naval officers, whom serve as de-facto diplomats.

Needless to say, fostering good relations with other navies during peacetime eventually pays off in wartime, particularly when defusing tensions upon unintentional incidents or avoiding further misunderstandings.

The Best Food In JMSDF?

So, kind of notable features can be seen aboard the Hashidate?

Well, it can be described as a small, but fancy cruise ship, being installed with a lobby, VIP lounge, and a conference room that can accommodate up to 20 people.

During official banquets, large tents are set up on the wooden decks which can host over 130 guests. The same platform is also used for holding a celebratory dinner upon the graduation of new cadet officers.

Given such formal roles, Hashidate is famous for its gorgeous catering and high culinary skills.

Only the best chefs are allowed to work aboard Hashidate, resulting in the ship to have one of the most delicious meals within the entire navy.

The menu varies depending on the occasion and the guests’ preferences, but Japanese cuisine such as sushi, tempura seems to be the standard choice, as well as JMSDF’s renowned curry.

As such, Hashidate plays a crucial role in enhancing JMSDF’s both public and international image by providing the guests with the best level of hospitality the navy can offer.