French Connection

my-cfay-weekly-nov-17.pdf (wordpress.com)

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The 70th Verny-Oguri Memorial Ceremony, a blend of historical reflection and modern military diplomacy, was held at Yokosuka City’s Verny Park, commemorating the pivotal contributions of François Léonce Verny and Oguri Kozukenosuke Tadamasa to Japan’s naval modernization. This landmark event, attended by prominent leaders such as Rear Adm. Carl Lahti, Commander, Navy Region Japan; Rear Admiral Christopher J. Cavanaugh, Commander, Submarine Group Seven; and Capt. Les Sobol, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, underscored the enduring legacy of the Yokosuka Arsenal, a symbol of Franco-Japanese cooperation.

Mayor Katsuaki Kamiji of Yokosuka paid tribute to the historical figures: “This ceremony honors the achievements of Kozukenosuke Tadamasa Oguri and François Léonce Verny, who devoted themselves to the construction of the Yokosuka Arsenal and contributed greatly to the development of modern Japan,” Kamiji stated.

François Léonce Verny, a French naval engineer, was instrumental in directing the construction of the Yokosuka Naval Shipyard and Arsenal in the late 19th century, completing the construction of Japan’s first dry dock in 1871. His expertise in modern naval architecture and engineering, honed in the arsenals of France, was pivotal in introducing advanced shipbuilding techniques to Japan.

Oguri Kozukenosuke Tadamasa, a visionary statesman of the Tokugawa government, recognized the urgency of modernizing Japan’s naval capabilities. His decision to construct the Yokosuka Arsenal, in collaboration with Verny, marked a significant leap in Japan’s journey towards industrialization and military strength.

H.E. Ambassador Philippe Setton, French Ambassador to Japan, reflected on the deep-seated relationship forged through this collaboration: “The establishment of the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal was a major influence on the relationship between our two nations that extended across the military, technological, and industrial sectors,” Setton remarked.

Yoko Kamikawa, Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, acknowledged the historical significance of Verny and Oguri’s partnership: “We owe the present-day cooperation we enjoy between our two nations to those who came before us, to the collaborative spirit of Verny and Oguri,” Kamikawa said.

Fortuné Pellicano, Deputy Mayor of Brest, highlighted the role of international cooperation in fostering peace: “Our mutual understanding, our collaboration, sharing our ways of doing things, and the cultural exchange between our young people, these all form the foundation which shows that we can be architects of a peaceful world,” Pellicano observed.

The ceremony not only commemorated the achievements of Verny and Oguri but also served as a reaffirmation of the enduring Franco-Japanese partnership in naval strategy and broader international relations. The presence of critical U.S. Navy and other military leaders underlined the ceremony’s significance in contemporary naval affairs, symbolizing a legacy that continues to inspire and guide modern maritime cooperation.

Commodore's Stew Pot

US Navy Commodore Perry's iron pot kept as heirloom displayed in east Japan - The Mainichi

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YOKOSUKA, Kanagawa -- An iron stewing pot thought to have been owned by U.S. Navy Commodore Matthew C. Perry in the mid-19th century is on display at an event in this east Japan city.

The pot is being exhibited at the municipal-run Meguru Project 2023, held at Uraga Port, the site of the country's emergence from isolationism thanks to Commodore Perry's fleet of black ships and "gunboat diplomacy."

The iron pot once owned by the American naval officer has a 34- to 43-centimeter-diameter oval opening and is 24 cm deep. Its handle remains attached. The letters "PHILA" apparently for the U.S. city of Philadelphia are inscribed on the bottom.

The artefact has been offered by a local historian, 78-year-old Shinichi Miyai. A relative going five generations back named Seizaemon was a shipping merchant who had transported food and water to the foreign "black ships" anchored off the Uraga coast around the time of Perry's arrival in 1853.

According to Miyai, the pot was given to his ancestor, who had refused to accept money from Commodore Perry's fleet, as something that would hold up. It had been used during long voyages, and has since been passed down generation to generation within Miyai's family. "The pot's been kept by us even through the government's confiscation of metal items during World War II. I hope seeing it allows people to picture the time Perry arrived," he said.

The Meguru Project is being held at the Uraga Dock, one of the first major brick-construction docks in Japan. The pot can be viewed on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 7, 8 and 9. The event also features live jazz, a "samurai show," guided tours, cruises off the Uraga coast and more. Admission is free, with fees for some features.