Honoring Japan's guardians of the sea on Maritime Safety Day

Today, and May 12th annually, is Maritime Safety Day 海上保安の日 (Kaijō hoan no hi) in Japan. It is a quiet but meaningful anniversary that traces back to the founding of the Japan Coast Guard in 1948.

On May 12th, 1948, the new compass‑emblem flag of the coastguard was raised above their headquarters, marking the official start of an organization dedicated to protecting life and safety at sea. The anniversary was once known as the commemoration of the coast guard, but they renamed it “Maritime Safety Day” in 2000. But its purpose remains the same: to help the public understand the Coast Guard’s mission and feel closer to the people who carry it out.

The Japan Coast Guard was modeled after the U.S. Coast Guard in its early years, and today its responsibilities stretch far beyond patrol boats. Officers respond to maritime accidents, conduct search‑and‑rescue operations, maintain navigational safety, protect marine environments, and support disaster relief. Their guiding motto is a motto we should all live by “Justice and Humanity.”